Vaea Otto – Melvin and Joseph (Tupuna) Minerota Amo have been presented with New Zealand citizenship documents by the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, His Excellency Tia Barett at the Ngatipa residence.
Having permanent residency in the Cook Islands is no longer enough for entry into the South Pacific Mini Games as a sports representative of the Cook Islands.
This change of regulations under the Oceania Olympic Charter affects many sports people who are of Cook Islands descent but hold other than New Zealand passports.
It wasn’t easy for Vaea and Joseph to obtain their citizenship, but through the tireless efforts of oe vaka friends and the office of the New Zealand High Commission 28 August 2009 was a red letter day for them.
Having NZ citizenship is a privilege His Excellency reminded the two recipients; they can retain their French passports and now have dual citizenship. Vaea and Joseph were presented with photocopies of the original certificates that will be couriered to the Cook Islands. In the meantime, the process for issuing passports can go ahead so they are able to present their passport numbers as required by the Pacific Games.
With citizenship secured they can now return to their favourite sport of oe vaka and represent country in the va’a code.
The whole oe vaka team, mangers and supporters were there to share the moment for two worthy citizens.
Believing in the system has paid off for Team Cook Islands oe vaka as Vaea and Joseph had been named in the squad – share the moment.
Vaea’s parent couldn’t b e at the ceremony as they are still in Tahiti; for Jospeh, his grandparents were on hand to witness the occasion.