The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) 34th General Assembly drew to a close yesterday morning in a momentous ceremony which saw hundreds of the devout congregation march along the road to the Are Pure Ebenezera church in Ngatangiia.

Hundreds of the church’s members from Rarotonga, the Pa Enua, Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, who celebrated the assembly, highlighted the faith and dedication of the congregation.

During the course of the week long assembly, a new CICC executive committee council was elected to steer the course for the next four years.

Leading the parade into the church were members of the 2023 elected council for the next four years: President - Rev Tuaine Ngametua, Principal Takamoa College - Rev Tere Marsters, and Australia representative - Nga Mataio.

The council oversees the implementation of its resolutions and the general management of the church from its headquarters in Takamoa, Avarua.

The 2023 elected CICC Executives for the next four years are: President - Rev Tuaine Ngametua, General Secretary - Ken Ben, Treasurer - Numangatini Ariki Tangi Tereapii, Legal Advisor - Junior Ngatokorua, Principal Takamoa College - Rev Tere Marsters, Rarotonga Council representative - Rev Metu Une, Northern group representative - Makirere Poila, Southern Group representative - Rev Panu Rouru, Aotearoa New Zealand representative - Tekura (Steak) Potoru,  Australia representative - Nga Mataio, Director of Youth - Tuaine Unuia, Director of Publication - Mark Ahiao, Director of Evangelism - Volley Tangiataua, Director of Social Welfare - Nga Teao-Papatua, Historian, CICC Heritage Centre - Tangata Vainerere, Secretary Vainetini - To be confirmed, Chairman Review Committee - To be confirmed.

Some members of the CICC congregate will start making their way to the island of Atiu to celebrate the Bicentennial Arrival of the Gospel on 19 July.

Mitiaro will host their 200 years Arrival of the Gospel celebration on 21 July, followed by  Mauke on 23 July, and Rarotonga on 25 July.