Cook Islands celebrated its 59th Constitution Day on Sunday, marked by remarkable milestones highlighting the country’s successful self-governance journey, while the Prime Minister addressed the current water tariff issue amidst global and regional turmoil.

If the water tariff issue is the biggest concern for the people “then we are definitely blessed”, says Prime Minister Mark Brown.

Brown said this while highlighting the disparity between the Cook Islands and other parts of the world facing severe conflict and hardship.

The Prime Minister emphasised that while water security is a critical concern in the Cook Islands, it is a comparatively minor issue considering the severe problems faced elsewhere.

Brown, who was speaking at the 59^th Constitution Day celebration held at the National Auditorium on Sunday, contrasted the country’s relative peace and prosperity with the devastation seen in places like Ukraine, Gaza and neighbours New Caledonia.

The event was attended by numerous dignitaries including Cabinet Members, members of the Are Ariki, church leaders, the diplomatic corps, the visiting US Coast Guard crew and all eight teams from the recent Te Maeva Nui festival.

“Our biggest issue on Rarotonga seems to be the issue of water and how we are going to pay for it,” said PM Brown.

“If that is our biggest concern as a people, then we are definitely blessed,” he remarked, urging citizens to appreciate their fortunate position.

“Those who are calling for free water here need to consider that delivering water to your house or business does not happen by magic – there is a cost involved.

“We must now look at the fairest way to cover that cost. And we will deal with that in due time. But like I said – if this is the biggest issue that we have a as a country then we must count our blessings and give praise to the Lord.”

Brown acknowledged the government’s responsibility to ensure water access for all residents, including those in the Pa Enua (outer islands), where water security remains a significant challenge.

Over the past year, efforts were made to improve water infrastructure in islands such as Aitutaki, Manihiki, Pukapuka and Penrhyn, with more projects planned for the coming year, he said.

Reflecting on the nation’s journey since gaining self-governance on August 4, 1965, PM Brown celebrated the Cook Islands’ progress from a country heavily reliant on external support to one with a vibrant tourism industry and high-income status as classified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Brown also highlighted his role in representing the Pacific region in various international forums over the past year, adding that this month he will handing over the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum to the incoming chair, the Prime Minister of Tonga.

“We have matured as a nation which carries our own voice and in this last year carried the voice of the Pacific region with distinction.

“But Constitution Day is not just a commemoration of the past; it is a celebration of our present and a commitment to our future. It reminds us of the resilience, unity, and strength of our people. From the northern islands to the southern groups, we stand as one nation, proud of our individuality but united by our shared values and our identity as Cook Islanders.”

Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development, Emile Kairua concluded the weeklong celebrations from Te Maeva Nui to the Constitution Day by expressing gratitude to past and present governments for their ongoing support in preserving and prioritising the nation’s cultural heritage.

“We would also like to thank the governments of the past and today for always valuing and supporting and prioritising the certificate event and for continuing to work for the work that was done 59 years ago and for continuing to be the pillar of hope for the survival of our culture to which our identity derives from.”

The event officially started and concluded with the flag raising conducted by the Boys Brigade with many looking forward to the big celebration next year.

One of the tourists, Mike Woodroof, who attended Te Maeva Nui, said the event was the highlight of his trip to Rarotonga, adding that he found the culture and hospitality of the people welcoming.

“This is my first time in this beautiful country and I didn’t know about this until me and my wife got to town and the whole town was flooded and traffic everywhere so we joined the float that day and we were glad we made that decision and we bought some tickets and kept coming back to town to watch,” Woodroof said.

“We cancelled most of our plans to just come and watch the festival and it was just beautiful and we were curious what was happening today (Sunday) too so we came too since there’s nothing much happening in town today.”