The Cook Islands ministry of health is reinstating a position in Auckland to help people travelling to New Zealand for medical treatment.
The person will be responsible for helping people get to appointments around Auckland, and act as a liaison.
The Secretary of Health, Tupou Faireka, says the position was disestablished four years ago, and funding for it cut from the budget.
"A lot of Cook Islanders are complaining that, especially the sick ones and the old people, and those who haven't been to New Zealand before, there's a call to the politicians and the government to have that person brought back, because when they arrive at Auckland airport, there [isn't] anybody there to welcome them or to show them around or to take them to where their appointments are."
Tupou Faireka says they are hoping to have someone in the position within three months, once the budget is approved.
