16 Apr 2018

Cooks election to focus on development - minister

6:49 am on 16 April 2018

A senior government minister in the Cook Islands says he believes this year's election will focus around infrastructure development.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News

Last week it was announced that the election would be held on June 14.

Mark Brown said for the last eight years his Cook Islands Party had been concentrating on large infrastructure projects that need to be upgraded.

Mr Brown said as a result there had been significant growth in areas like tourism.

He said this brings up other issues.

"Managing the economy prudently. Also ensuring that we continue with the infrastructure development, but also making sure that we address the issues around social development and ensure that the social balance is maintained that as the country prospers we are also able to ensure those that are most vulnerable are well looked after. Like the elderly, the young, those in need."