Hundreds gathered to mourn and pay their last respects to the Reverend Oirua Peter Rasmussen (5 August 1962 - 29 March 2023) the Nikao CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) Orometua who passed away last week.

His final service was held yesterday morning at his home Betania in Nikao yesterday morning conducted by Rev. Teava Nanai.

The Deacons of the church then carried his casket next door into the Nikao ‘Kanaana’ CICC church where the sermon was conducted by Rev. Panu Rouru.

Speeches inside the church were delivered by the Ekalesia Secretary - Tupuna Rakanui, the CICC General Secretary - Nga Mataio and family representatives including Oirua Rasmussen Jnr.

The Nikao Ekalesia, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Tereora College students, sports and community organisations, family and friends  lined the road for the procession of Rev. Rasmussen’s casket to his burial site at the Ngati Arera burial grounds.

A special memorial service for Rev. Rasmussen who was also the Parliament Chaplain was held at Parliament House last Friday.