Cook Islands Party confident as election nominations close

With candidate nominations closing on Tuesday 14 July (NZ time), political parties are stepping up their campaigns as the race to form the next government intensifies.

The Cook Islands Party (CIP), Cook Islands Democratic Party, Cook Islands United Party, Progressive Party and a growing number of independent candidates are all finalising their line-ups ahead of next month's general election on 12 August.

Cook Islands Party leader Prime Minister Mark Brown and party candidates officially registered their nominations on Thursday local time at the Ministry of Justice.

Brown said the party was confident heading into the election, pointing to its record in government.

"We're very excited with the elections coming up," Brown said.

"We've got a really good track record of achievements as a government and what we've done. We're confident going into this election that we'll be showing people not just what we've achieved, but also building on that with the new initiatives we'll be announcing next week in our party manifesto."

Cook Islands voters head to the polls on 12 August 2026. Photo/Cook Islands Tourism

Among the party's new faces is Maru Willie, who will contest the Tupapa-Maraerenga constituency for the first time.

Born in 1972 and raised in Tupapa, Willie said he was encouraged to stand by current MP George "Maggie" Angene.

"Other than that, I've been working in the community for many years," Willie said.

Listen to Cook Islands Party leader Teariki Heather's full interview below.

He has held leadership roles in rugby union, rugby league and cultural organisations, holds the traditional title Te Pō Rangatira under Makea Vakatini Ariki, and has served on the Tupapa-Maraerenga Sports Executive Committee for more than 30 years.

Willie said his priority, if elected, would be listening to and serving the people.

"The first thing for me is to listen to the people and be their voice, to serve and support the community."

Willie resigned as chief executive officer for Minister George Angene to contest the election.

He is now self-employed and remains involved in his family's catering business, as well as sports and cultural activities.

The Cook Islands Party is expected to announce its full list of candidates on Monday (Tuesday NZT).

This story was first published in the Cook Islands News.