McCully lauds aquaponics

New Zealand foreign affairs and trade minister Murray McCully heralded the “tremendous” new aquaponics facility in Titikaveka after inspecting the garden on Wednesday.

McCully was flanked by representatives from the New Zealand High Commission as he planted a baby lettuce alongside Alfred Ngaro, the first Cook Islander to become a member of parliament in New Zealand.

Agriculture Minister Nandi Glassie, associate minister Kiriau Turepu and New Zealand Aid Programme head Amanda Ellis also planted their own shrubs.

“This is tremendous,” McCully told Cook Islands News while inspecting the various rows of basil.

“One of the things I always found with the Cook Islands is they need to import a lot less to supply the tourism industry.

“We need to make sure import substitution is given a better opportunity. This is a classic opportunity.

“These crops are healthy and very high quality.”

McCully later told a small gathering at Te Raurau o te Kaingavai that, in what was almost a replica of Turepu’s speech a week earlier, seeing the site had transformed his perspective of aquaponics.

“I was somewhat sceptical of this project – now I’m a believer.”

In what was a small, light-hearted speech, McCully referred to New Zealand Aid Programme head Amanda Ellis, who approached the minister for funding of the project.

McCully jokingly said if the project were to fail it would be Ellis’ responsibility and if it were to succeed it would be his responsibility.

“It looks increasingly like it’s mine,” McCully said to a reception of laughter.

Glassie spoke about the facility’s historic nature and hoped the scheme would continue to grow.

“This project serves as a model for other Pacific Island countries, and it provides an education and training opportunity,” Glassie said.

“We note the willingness of the Te Raurau o te Kaingavai project partners to host these types of learning opportunities for people interested in aquaponics and we look forward to seeing this happen here in the Cook Islands.”

Aquaponics expert Dr Wilson Lennard explained the system to those in attendance before the closing prayer and the blessing of refreshments by Seventh Day Adventist pastor Sarah Aratai.

It was then up to the official party to showcase their green fingers before Lennard proudly endorsed their aquaponic planting skills.