Students from schools of Nga-Pu-Toru (Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro) have been given approval to attend the 200 years celebration of the arrival of the Gospel.

Education Minister Vaine Mokoroa confirmed the approval also covered schools in Rarotonga which will celebrate the Bicentennial event in July.

He made this comment in response to questions raised by Opposition MP Vaitoti Tupa of Matavera in Parliament last week.

Tupa asked whether school students would be part of the celebration – on school days.

Mokoroa said for the 200 years celebration that was held in Aitutaki in 2021, the school principals including senior classes on the islands of Nga-Pu-Toru made a request for them to join the celebration.

The Minister said the request was then put forward to Cabinet and it was approved.

In relation to the Nga-Pu-Toru and Rarotonga celebrations, he said it had been discussed by Cabinet in the past and they agreed that schools can be part of the celebration.