“The actions of our promise will keep the Cook Islands safe” states former Honourable Prime Minister, Henry Puna during the opening Kia Orana Plus training video. The Kia Orana Plus rapid training programme continues into its fifth week with the promotion of the Cook Islands Promise and associated guides for best practices to effect the promise in preparation for border
opening. “Over 130 participants across Rarotonga and Aitutaki have completed the training and have committed to the Cook Islands Promise to help safeguard their businesses, our people and our visitors from COVID-19,” said Business Partnership Manager for Cook Islands Tourism, Claire Wilson.

Dr. Aumea Herman, Secretary of Health says, “We will be taking all the precautions we deem necessary to protect our people and keep our country COVID-19 free.” Ms Wilson emphasizes that “The Kia Orana Plus training is a necessary precaution for businesses to be best prepared to welcome visitors back to our little paradise.”

By completing the training programme, participants agree to the guiding values: common sense values, kindness, consideration and of course the Kia Orana Spirit. “There is a sense of empowerment behind the meaning of Kia Orana” said one of the participants of this week’s training, Shirley Herman, owner of Muri Beach Haven.

“The three half-day training is divided into three key modules. 1. Health and our Cook Islands Response, 2. Hygienic Practices and Safety in the Cook Islands, and, 3. Business Management in COVID-19. Each participant is provided with the necessary materials, tools and resources required to deliver the Kia Orana Plus training effectively to their teams. These resources will also be made available online in the coming week for public access and download,” explains Ms Wilson. Kia Orana Plus participant, Mike Chase from Cook Islands Tours shared that the training has provided, “a clearer defined road map of where we are going.”

The Kia Orana Plus rapid training programme will be transferred to an online platform to be released in mid-October. However, Cook Islands Tourism are accepting requests for support of in-house trainings. For more information on the online platform please contact Carlene Mapu: [email protected] or phone +682 29435.