Travel exemptions for passengers to the Pa Enua from Rarotonga have been issued to people who are residents and need to return to their respective islands.

Approval for this special travel to the Pa Enua must first be obtained from the Island Government prior to the “travel exemption” issued by Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health secretary Bob Williams.

According to the Ministerial Order issued on March 31: “Air and sea travel from Rarotonga to the Pa Enua (other than Aitutaki) is restricted to pilots and crew for the purpose of transporting cargo from Rarotonga to the Pa Enua, and/or transporting passengers and cargo from the Pa Enua to Rarotonga, unless an exemption has been obtained from the Secretary of Health (or delegate).”

Government agreed to close the Pa Enua borders as requested by the island governments. The move was supported by Te Marae Ora due to the incomplete vaccine rollout programme for the islands and the capacity of health staff and resourcing on each island.

In the past week, there have been several passenger flights to the Pa Enua for returning residents – two flights to Mangaia, one for Mitiaro, four for Atiu and two for Mauke including one for Te Marae Ora vaccination team. There is a flight scheduled for Penrhyn for government projects, and an Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) staff trip to Mauke for projects.

Prime Minister Mark Brown last week announced the reopening of the Pa Enua borders to allow travellers including tourists to visit the outer islands. The tentative dates are April 18 for the Southern Group islands and April 25 for the Northern Group islands.

According to Te Marae Ora, similar to the set up in Aitutaki, a team will travel to Atiu to get the island ready for April 18 border reopening, and the same will be done for Manihiki, Rakahanga and Penrhyn in preparation for April 25.