New Zealand’s new Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta has noted with sadness the passing of Jim Marurai, who served as Cook Islands Prime Minister between 2004 and 2010.
Marurai was prime minister for six years, from 2004 to 2010. He had been in parliament from 1994 until his resignation, because of ill health, in 2017.
“Jim Marurai made a significant contribution to his country through a lifetime of service.
“As a teacher and as a politician, he was greatly loved by the communities he served. He will be deeply missed.”
The Minister offered her condolences to Mr Marurai’s family, as well to as the people and government of the Cook Islands.
Te Atua te Aroa, kite kopu tangata e te iti tangata Kūki ‘Āirani.
Moe marie e teia tama Kūki ‘Āirani.
“I offer love and blessings to the family and the people of the Cook Island during this sad time,” said Nanaia Mahuta.
Marurai was born in July 1947 on Mangaia and had been described as of that island’s favourite sons.
Like a number of the Cook Island leaders, he was a product of Otago university, and became a teacher before entering politics.
The current prime minister, Mark Brown, expressed his condolences and sympathy on behalf of the people and government of the Cook Islands.
“We mourn his passing and salute ‘Gentleman Jim’, a man for the people, one who was extremely proud of his humble beginnings and enjoyed great loyalty from his people of Ivirua.”
Brown led a delegation of mourners to Mangaia to attend the funeral.
The delegation included Numangatini Ariki, members of Marurai’s family, the Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet and government colleagues.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time of great loss” the Prime Minister concluded.
As a sign of respect the Prime Minister has asked that all government flags be flown at half-mast for the rest of the week.
One of Mr Marurai’s predecessors, Dr Joe Williams, died in September in Auckland, after contracting Covid-19.
Source: RNZ Pacific and Hon Nanaia Mahuta
