Half a dozen cars bought by Cook Islands Government for $1.7 million, and used during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held last month, will be again used to transport dignitaries at next week’s Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC20) meeting on Rarotonga.

A spokesperson for the government said there had been interest in the purchase of some of the vehicles, and those being used next week, would be the ones set aside for the government fleet.

Six of the vehicles would be used at next week’s conference.

While the final number of vehicles to be used by government in its fleet is yet to be finalised, a government spokesperson said there would be at least six of the 25 recently purchased Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles put aside for permanent use.

The sale of the remaining vehicles is yet to be confirmed.

The vehicles have been parked at the Prime Minister’s office for security reasons.

Crown Law had prioritised legislation work for the next parliament sitting, therefore work required around the sale document for the remaining vehicles had to be slotted in among other priorities, the spokesperson said.

Information relating to the vehicles would be released at the same time as the vehicles are advertised for sale.  

“As for the government fleet, a decision around the number of vehicles that will be retained by the government will be made by the capital distribution committee when it meets next month.” 

A full inspection of the vehicles took place by MFAI (Foreign Affairs and Immigration) and MFEM (Finance and Economic Management) officials post the Pacific Leaders Forum, and it was confirmed the vehicles were in good condition and performed well during the forum.

The major projects and procurement support division of MFEM will eventually oversee the sale of vehicles and has commenced this process by submitting the relevant documents to Crown Law so they can complete a legal review before the vehicles are advertised for sale.

The purchase of the vehicles was overseen by MFEM after an expression of interest process was completed, followed by a “competitive” quote processing, including local suppliers to tender their bids, with Hyundai Motors NZ Ltd being awarded the tender.

At the time MFAI said the purchase of the electric vehicles were in keeping with “government’s continued efforts towards green and clean transportation”.

MFAI further stated that among hosting obligations was the requirement for the provision of in-country transportation for leaders during the forum meeting.

The vehicles landed on Rarotonga in August.