FROM CONCERN TO ACTIONS The first Open Forum at the USP Cook Islands

Ana Tiraa, Office of the Prime Minister

Forum 1 - Wednesday 04 February 2015

Professor John Hay - Chair of the Forums

Professor Martin Parry - Adjunct Professor USP

Arona Ngari -Meteorological Department

Fine Tuitupou-Arnold - Sec. Gen - Cook Islands Red Cross

Professor John Hay, welcomed fifty or more interested persons to the first open forum on International Perspectives and the National Overview of climate change in the Cook Islands.
The Keynote Presentation by Ana Tiraa was a clear and well informed summary of international perspectives and the national context. This laid an excellent foundation for the rest of the evening.   A highlight of the evening was a summary of the roll out of Renewable Energy in the Northern Pa Enua, presented by Mr Tangi Tereapii.   Rakahanga and Pukapuka now have 24/7 power after decades of putting up with varied hours ranging from 6 to maybe 18 hours a day.    Can YOU imagine the excitement of the communities to know they can have a hot cup of coffee or tea at any time of the day?

Tangi Tereapii - Renewable Energy

Rita Mateara - Cook Islands Tourism Industry

Patrick Arioka - Cook Islands Agriculture Department

Dr Teina Ronga gave an impressive and enthusiastic presentation to launch his well documented report.
                  "Using Local Knowledge to Understand Climate Variability in the Cook Islands".

Dr Teina Ronga an impassioned speaker

The venue for the Forums on the USP Cook Islands campus.