The Cook Islands opposition says April's referendum shows politicians should tread carefully when dealing with issues relating to religion.
A majority voted to end Sunday flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki, with those wanting the ban saying Sunday is a sacred day when businesses shouldn't operate.
The prime minister Henry Puna called the referendum as part of a campaign promise in the lead-up to a by-election on the island, but has still not said whether he will honour the result.
The One Cook Islands leader Teina Bishop says he supports the continuation of the flights, mainly for social reasons.
One Cook Islands Party leader Teina Bishop Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
But Mr Bishop says he has no idea why a referendum was called.
"The cabinet failed to explain what non-binding means. To those who understood they didn't bother to go and vote because what's the point, but who those who felt and misunderstood that by having a referendum then a result will happen, I think they're the ones who have not been provided a fair education on the matter."
