While serving in that role, Rua advocated for tight control of the media to prevent stories critical of the government.
[3] During the post-election period he was courted by Prime Minister Robert Woonton, but declined to join his new party.
[6] A subsequent audit of ministerial expenses revealed that Rua had spent $US4,500 on personal phone calls in just six months in office; he agreed to repay the money.
[7] In December 2005, Rua was accused of selling unauthorized DVDs of Peter jackson's King Kong through his retail store.
[8] In 2006, Rua aligned himself with the opposition Cook Islands Party in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the governing coalition in a confidence vote.