Following recent improvements at Nikao Cemetery, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) has commenced essential grounds maintenance work at Panama Cemetery, situated just outside the Catholic Cemetery in Panama, Rarotonga.
This early-stage work focuses on clearing overgrowth and reinstating basic upkeep of the site—part of CIIC’s growing commitment to improve the care and long-term management of public cemeteries with cultural and community significance.
CIIC General Manager of Asset Management, Ms Vasie Ngatoko-Poila, said the Panama initiative is the next step in a broader plan. “These cemeteries are important resting places for our families and part of our collective heritage. This initial clean-up is about respect and stewardship. From here, we’ll work with stakeholders to develop a simple, practical management plan that can be sustained.”
Over the coming months, CIIC will engage with families, landowners, religious groups, community members and relevant authorities to ensure the plan reflects local values and priorities.
Local MP for Nikao-Panama, Hon. Mac Mokoroa, welcomed the initiative. “Panama Cemetery, like others across Rarotonga, deserves dignity and care. I commend CIIC for extending their efforts to this site and look forward to seeing a respectful, coordinated approach take shape.”
This work is part of a broader effort to strengthen the management of cemeteries on public land, ensuring that they are well-maintained, accessible, and appropriately cared for now and into the future.
