The Cook Islands government is spending more than 16 thousand US dollars on a ceremonial opening of parliament tomorrow.
1200 people have been invited to the ceremonial opening, the first such since 2007.
Cook Islands News reports that MPs have mixed feelings about whether the gala opening is a waste of time and money.
The deputy leader of the opposition, Wilkie Rasmussen, says it should be scrapped in favour of a modest prayer.
Another MP, Norman George, says the ceremony is absolutely essential and a tradition to be honoured.
