On Wednesday 8 July, Prime Minister John Key, his wife Bronagh and a delegation of 80 people from a broad cross-section of New Zealand society arrived on a RNZAF flight on the last stage of their whistle stop tour of four Pacific countries – Tonga, Samoa, Niue and the Cook Islands. They were met on arrival by an official delegation led by Prime Minister Jim Marurai as well as their own High Commissioner Tia Barrett and CIBPW Vice-President Theresa Barrett.
This was the Keys’ first visit to Rarotonga. Prime Minister Jim Marurai hosted them and their delegation to dinner and entertainment at the Edgewater on their arrival.
The next day 9 July was devoted to a busy programme of meetings and discussions with Government, the business community (including CIBPW), tourism sector (on Koromiri Island), and the House of Ariki and the Koutu Nui.
The New Zealand High Commissioner hosted a luncheon at Ngatipa which was well attended. A hip hop group brought over in the PM’s delegation, Prestige, performed to the delight of those at the reception, and they also held an extremely popular gig for Tereora College. Prestige were placed second in the World Hip Hop competitions in the US this year.
CIBPW Executives attended a meeting Mr Key had with the Chambers of Commerce, as well as the luncheon at Ngatipa and a small morning tea with Mrs Key at Salsa Restaurant with other local business women.
Mr Key and his delegation left that day, their quick visit lasting just under 24 hours.
This was the Keys’ first visit to Rarotonga. Prime Minister Jim Marurai hosted them and their delegation to dinner and entertainment at the Edgewater on their arrival.
The next day 9 July was devoted to a busy programme of meetings and discussions with Government, the business community (including CIBPW), tourism sector (on Koromiri Island), and the House of Ariki and the Koutu Nui.
The New Zealand High Commissioner hosted a luncheon at Ngatipa which was well attended. A hip hop group brought over in the PM’s delegation, Prestige, performed to the delight of those at the reception, and they also held an extremely popular gig for Tereora College. Prestige were placed second in the World Hip Hop competitions in the US this year.
CIBPW Executives attended a meeting Mr Key had with the Chambers of Commerce, as well as the luncheon at Ngatipa and a small morning tea with Mrs Key at Salsa Restaurant with other local business women.
Mr Key and his delegation left that day, their quick visit lasting just under 24 hours.
