Seven crew members of the Cook Islands Maritime Division, pictured, flew to Australia over the weekend for a special training.

Cook Islands Police Service extended their best wishes to the team who would be undertaking two months of training at Cairns TAFE in northern Queensland, in an advanced seamanship course. The training is part of a Guardian Patrol Boat training package.

All seven completed the delivery training in Perth last year for Te Kukupa II, and had undergone recruit training in Rarotonga.

Australia’s acting High Commissioner, Ruth Baird expressed encouragement and support for the training ahead, as well as the close relationship Australia and the Cook Islands have enjoyed throughout the past decades of cooperative ties.

They were hosted to light refreshments yesterday.

Te Kukupa II’s commanding officer Tuariki Henry, and maritime advisor LTCDR David Longhurst, were also on hand to support the resumption of maritime training in Australia.

The seven crew members are Cancy Maro, Ngauere Tararo, Richard Davey, Edward Akatapuria, Ataela Ataela Junior Perua, Ben ‘Benji’ Tearii.

– Police Media