The Cook Islands deputy prime minister has rejected criticism of a government charter flight to remote communities.
Mark Brown accompanied Prime Minister Henry Puna and infrastructure minister Robert Tapaitau on their visit to Manihiki, Penryhn and Pukapuka.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna and his deputy Mark Brown. Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
Opposition leader Tina Browne criticised the charter flight, saying the money could have been spent on more urgent priorities and the away from the tourist hubs, the impacts of Covid-19 had been minimal.
She claimed the flights seemed to be for campaigning.
Penrhyn is Mr Tapaitau's electorate and Manihiki is the Prime Minister's.
But Mark Brown said the timing was not about politics, but about bringing forward capital projects as part of the Covid-19 stimulus package.
He said Pukapuka and Penrhyn hospitals were already planned before the global Covid-19 pandemic hit, and runway work in Manihiki would keep pa enua, (outer island), economies to keep activity going.
"Our people in the remote islands deserve a government that takes the time to see them personally," said Mr Brown.
"Our people need assurance around the dramatic effect of Covid-19 on our country, what measures are being taken, and the recovery initiatives we are planning."
Manihiki Lagoon Photo: RNZI/Florence Syme Buchanan
