Cost Of Living, Water Tariffs, Mining On Cook Islanders' Minds Ahead Of ElectionTiana Haxton RNZ Pacific journalist/presenterThe Cook Islands goes to the polls this week for its four-yearly general election. For the United Party, 'free water for all' is one of its main campaign points. "I believe that the government can assist and accommodate for the people of the Cook Islands at this particular time." When asked if the Cook Islands Party would consider a referendum, Brown said the science needs to be complete first. But Mark Brown sees the situation as proof that the Cook Islands are able to "stand on their own two feet".