RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, 25 March 2025.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), together with Cook
Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) confirms the
Ngatangiia Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) Ekalesia –
Sunday School Hall has been approved for remediation funding
under the Rarotonga Safety Shelters Programme
(RSSP).
Following the announcement of the launch of
the RSSP in December 2024, communities around Rarotonga have
actively engaged with CIIC to learn more. The RSSP programme
established in 2021, is to support remediation works to
community/public buildings designated or identified as
suitable cyclone shelters. Through collaborative efforts and
careful management, the programme aims to ensure that a
significant portion of Rarotonga’s population has access to
safe shelters during emergencies. The programme represents a
crucial step towards enhancing community resilience to
cyclones and other disasters. In earlier studies, a total of
19 Community Halls were identified as potential safety
shelters in Rarotonga, the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia –
Sunday School Hall is one of the eligible
Halls.
Mr. John Strickland, Director of
EMCI says “We are dedicated to enhancing the
safety and well-being of both residents and visitors to the
Cook Islands by ensuring the availability of emergency
shelters that meet the highest standards, particularly for
cyclone preparedness and the needs of persons with
disabilities. In partnership with our local communities, we
are actively exploring the use of various institutional
buildings, including educational and government-owned
facilities, to serve as shelters that are fully equipped to
withstand extreme weather conditions. These shelters will be
designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that
individuals with disabilities can also seek refuge and
receive the support they need during emergencies. The
Rarotonga program is currently underway, and we are also
focused on assessing the shelter needs in the Pa Enua
Islands as well”
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The executive committee of the
Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia submitted a proposal to Government
in 2024 to participate in the Rarotonga Safety Shelter
Programme (RSSP). Their proposal detailed a delivery
timeline, estimated costs, and renovation plans in order for
the Hall to be able to withstand a Category 3 Cyclone and
meet the Cook Islands Building Code 2019.
On 3 March
2025, Cabinet approved the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia –
Sunday School Hall submission, granting NZ$100,000 of
funding. The fund is in addition to the Church’s own funds
committed to the renovations, as well as the Hall itself
which is currently valued at NZ$300,000. The Deed of Funding
between CIIC and Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia is currently being
finalised.
The Church’s application was spearheaded
by the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia executive team, Mr Ioteva
Kirikava, Secretary, and Mr Keta Williams, Treasurer, with
support from Mr Atatoa Hermann and Ngatangiia Disaster Risk
Management Committee Chair Mr Ina Tararo. The project
launches with the blessing of the Orometua O Te Oire
Reverend Haraveikore William, and endorsement from the Cook
Islands Christian Church Executive Committees’ General
Secretary, Mr Ken Ben.
Mr. Tukaka Ama, Member
of Parliament for Ngatangiia says “renovating
the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia Sunday School Hall is a
testament to the strength of our communities and the
importance of working together to protect our people. This
Hall is more than just a building; it’s a place where our
families gather, where our children learn, and where we come
together in times of need. By supporting this project,
we’re not just investing in bricks and mortar, but in the
heart of our community – a safe haven for those who need
it most during emergencies. This is a commitment to the
well-being of every Cook Islander, because when we
strengthen our communities, we strengthen our
Nation.”
All eligible community halls have been
contacted by CIIC, any queries regarding the programme can
be directed to ciic.rsspcoordinator@cookislands.gov.ck.
About
the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Program
The
Rarotonga Safety Shelter Program (RSSP) was established in
2021 to support remediation works to community/public
buildings designated or identified as suitable cyclone
shelters. Through collaborative efforts and careful
management, the programme aims to ensure that a significant
portion of Rarotonga’s population has access to safe
shelters during emergencies. The programme represents a
crucial step towards enhancing community resilience to
cyclones and other disasters.
About Emergency
Management Cook Islands
Emergency Management
Cook Islands (EMCI) is a dedicated subsidiary division
within the Cook Islands Office of the Prime Minister
constituted with the management of the Disaster Risk
Management Act 2007. EMCI is dedicated to protecting the
community, environment, and cultural heritage by effectively
managing and mitigating the impacts of natural and human
caused emergencies (https://emci.gov.ck/)
About
Cook Islands Investment Corporation
The Cook
Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is a statutory
incorporation of the Cook Islands Government. CIIC was
established through the Cook Islands Investment
Incorporation Act 1998, tasked with the management of Crown
assets and interests within the Cook Islands, their vision
is “quality assets that serves the Cook Islands people”.
(https://www.ciic.gov.ck/)
About
the Office of the Prime Minister
The Office of
the Prime Minister (OPM) is a Central agency that supports
the Prime Minister and Cabinet. OPM deliver core government
functions for Public Sector and coordinate governance
activities across agencies, their vision “a well governed,
resilient and secure Cook Islands”. (https://www.pmoffice.gov.ck/)
About
the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands is a
self-governing democracy comprising 15 islands in the South
Pacific of c. 15,000 people operating in free association
with New
Zealand.
