“The Cook Islands and New Zealand governments have again delayed announcing details of an air-bridge between the two countries.
“The New Zealand Cabinet was understood to be discussing plans today for the first relaxation of the borders of New Zealand and Cook Islands, expected in a matter of weeks.
“But hopes Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern would announce details at her post-Cabinet press conference this evening, have been dashed - for the third week in a row.
“Cook Islands' Tourism Industry Council acting president and Muri Beach Club Hotel general manager, Liana Scott, said the delay was a "shame" and renewed calls for a firm date to reopen the borders.
"The biggest comment at our meetings has been we just need a date we can all work towards and start planning completion of current renovation projects, getting staff fine-tuned and ready to implement the Cook Islands Promise - which is the joint commitment to protect residents and visitors from Covid-19."
“Ideally, she said, the opening date should be as soon as possible. "The industry needs this and we are ready.
"Business survival and staff redundancies are at stake, the longer it is delayed."
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