Rasmussen begins talks on Sunday flights in Aitutaki

Thursday 26: Cabinet minister Wilkie Rasmussen will begin two days of meetings in Aitutaki today on the subject of Sunday flights.

On arrival at about 9am this morning, Rasmussen will be welcomed by the island council. He will meet with the council at their chambers at 10.30am before meeting with the Aitutaki Democratic Party executive committee at chairman Tangi Ngaro’s residence just after lunchtime.

The Demo executive from the island had written to cabinet in February asking what government is doing to address concerns that remain over Sunday flights.

Tomorrow Rasmussen will meet with members of the Aitutaki tourism council and industry members at midday, followed by a meeting with the public after 4pm.

Air Rarotonga has been operating the Sunday flights since June last year and has presented a report to government on the first six months of the service.

One aim of the flight is to improve the number of tourists going to the island to help the ailing economy there.

“We face unprecedented commercial challenges along with intense competition from other South Pacific tourism destinations,” said Air Rarotonga’s managing director Ewan Smith earlier this month.

“Sunday flights are only one component of the initiative to improve Aitutaki’s competitiveness. A renewed focus on sustainable practices in the lagoon, environmental management, insect control, beautification and marketing are all required if we are to maintain and grow visitor numbers to the island.

“We are conscious that some remain opposed to Sunday flights and in deference to those people, the airline has been careful to avoid over-flying the main island and to schedule flights after midday to ensure there is no disturbance of Sunday church activities.”

Deputy prime minister Sir Terepai Maoate said Air Rarotonga’s report, compiled with the assistance of MFEM, on the economic impact of Sunday flights, is very pleasing, especially since projections are for continued growth.

After volunteering to represent government in the talks, Rasmussen will report back to cabinet the findings from his meetings in Aitutaki.

The minister of tourism is taking a proactive and open approach to the talks. Now that government has once again promised there will be a referendum for the people to decide on the continuation of Sunday flights, Rasmussen will also be gauging what kind of opposition there is to the flights in the lead up to it. - HG