Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters took to twitter this morning to announce the NZ government will support the Cook Islands with $16.5m in funding to respond more effectively to the increasing impacts of climate change.
Leading the delegation alongside Minister for Pacific Peoples and Health Dr Shane Reti, Mr Peters shared the announcements while in the Cook Islands during the five day Pacific Mission.
The delegation also attended a special ceremony for the new Punanga Nui Market.
New Zealand has a long-standing association with Punanga Nui Market, beginning back when it was first constructed and opened.
Most recently, this includes nearly $8 million in support for the award-winning Avarua Town Plan project, which includes the revitalisation of Punanga Nui Market and the construction of a new Farmers Market.
The funding was channelled through the joint Infrastructure Trust Fund, which was established by Deputy Prime Minister Peters back in 2019.
The aim of the new market is to grow the economic, social, and cultural benefits of the revitalised market that will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.
Minister Peters will continue with bi-lateral talks with Cook Island Prime Minister Mark Brown, while Dr. Reti will visit Rarotonga hospital.
