On Tuesday, the Aitutaki community proudly came together to witness the swearing-in ceremony for their recently elected Island Government Council members, including their new mayor.

A strong sense of community spirit, joy, heartfelt speeches, prayers and the abundance of sweet scented ei celebrated the presentation of warrants to the new mayor and council members.

The significant occasion at Orongo Park on Tuesday marked the changing-of-the-guard to the mayoral role and to six of the eight Island Council members – five of whom are women.

The Aitutaki Island Council members were sworn-in on Tuesday. NANE PUREA/24091115

Mayor Nicholas “Nick” Royle Henry takes on the role from former mayor Tekura “Poo” Bishop who was present at the ceremony offering his support.

“Aitutaki voted for change and the winds of change have started to blow,” said Henry.

“As I mentioned at the ceremony, for some these winds may feel like a storm coming, however, for most, the winds of change will be filling their sails.”

Six new council members – four female and two male – have come on board for the new four-year term. Two councillors were re-elected from the previous council (one male, one female).

“It is a positive sign to have more women choose to participate in the council,” said Henry.

“All the ladies that have been selected are powerhouses in their own right, they are workers, women who are always at the frontline, so I am expecting incredible support from them for the tasks ahead.”

Regarding imminent council plans for Aitutaki, Henry said to be fair, the Island Council would need some time to get their bearings and to understand the starting point they are at.

“I can say there is considerable excitement within our council team to get to work and in turn a fairly high level of expectation from our community.”

Henry added that perhaps in a month’s time a better informed conversation could be held about setting realistic plans for the island.

He also expressed that the council would need to establish exactly what the challenges were. 

“In consultation and partnership with relevant government agencies, the Aitutaki Island Council can then prioritise these challenges within the limits of our existing budget and then get to work,” Henry said.

“We are realistic and understand we won’t be able to solve all the issues at hand with existing budgets and time constraints.”

However, looking at top concerns for the island council in the coming months, Henry said the main priority facing Aitutaki at present was the shortage of water supply to the homes.

Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) has formulated a sound three-year plan, that has already commenced, which will help alleviate shortage of water issue, he adds.

Mayor of Aitutaki, Nicholas “Nick” Royale Henry during his speech at the swearing-in ceremony. MACK MARONA/24091116

“In the immediate term I’m exploring avenues of water cartage and I expect to have a working ‘affordable’ solution before the end of this week,” said Henry.

The second priority is to get the “lay of the land” – a robust understanding of where the council and their team are at financially, the state of their infrastructure, the working condition “or not” of the machinery, equipment and supplies that fall within the asset register.

“To this end, the entire council will in the coming days take a tour of all the facilities under our auspices,” Henry said.

“From here, we can complete an audit and make realistic and achievable plans for Aitutaki.”

In addition, the Island Council has requested a list of “urgent matters” from the executive officer Tuaine George that requires council resolutions.

The newly-sworn in council members and mayor attended a workshop that got underway on Thursday.

The objective of the seminar was to supplement the induction that the council had received from Mia Teaurima, director of Pa Enua Governance, immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.

“We will be working on governance and compliance, understanding our role(s) and how we can complement the work of the national government,” stated Henry.

Terangi Ngaoire-Natua was sworn in as the Aitutaki Island Council member for Ureia. NANE PUREA/24091117

Justice of the Peace (JP) Janet Maki witnessed the declarations of oath at the swearing in ceremony that was also attended by JPs Mii Makimare and Tere Patia. Emcee for the event was Teiti Teiti.

Aitutaki’s Island Council members are looking forward to help lead their island into a bright future working together for the people of Araura.

The 2024 Aitutaki Island Council are: Aitutaki Mayor - Nicholas Royle Henry, Amuri Councillor - Matangaro Isamaela, Ureia Councillor – Terangi Ngaoire-Natua, Arutanga Councillor - Junior Tikiteina Tikiteina, Reureu Councillor - James Ngatupuna Gero Toki, Nikaupara Councillor - George Metuakore Strickland, Vaipae Councillor - Ruautu Ngatokoa, Tautu Councillor – Twin Ruarangi, Vaipeka Councillor - Ngatokoono Ngatokorua Kamoe.