Leadership Facilitation training strengthen capability across Public and Private Sectors

27 November 2025

Leadership Facilitation training strengthens capability across Public and        Private Sectors

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 3-6 November 2025 – The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC), in partnership with the Cook Islands Tertiary Training Institute (CITTI), successfully delivered two Leadership Facilitation Training courses from 3–6 November 2025 at the Teacher Development Centre, Tereora College, with AA Focus Ltd contracted by CITTI to facilitate the training.

The programme brought together twenty-eight senior leaders from Government Ministries, State-Owned Enterprises, the private sector, and community-based organisations. Delivered by governance and leadership specialists Analiese Enoka Robertson and Vaioleti Lui (of AA Focus Ltd.), the training focused on strengthening skills in leading conversations, managing group dynamics, and guiding teams toward shared outcomes.

Culturally Grounded Leadership Development

The training emphasised the importance of culturally aligned facilitation practices which is grounded in ancestral intelligence and the three traditional pillars of Cook Islands society—Ui Ariki (traditional leadership), Evangelia (church), and Ture (government).—

Participants explored values such as mana, aro’a, taokotai’anga, respect, integrity, humility, and service, applying them to modern leadership and organisational settings.  As shared by a participant from Cohort 1:

“Using our cultural values as a foundation made it easierto connect facilitation skills with who we are.”

Strengthening Practical Skills

Across two full days per cohort, the programme covered both foundational and advanced facilitation skills, including:

·       Leading inclusive and productive discussions

·       Structuring and planning meetings and workshops

·       Managing conflict and diverse viewpoints

·       Encouraging collaboration and consensus

·       Applying cultural values to contemporary leadership spaces

Participants engaged in reflective learning, real-world scenarios, and hands-on facilitation practice.

High Engagement and Measurable Impact

Evaluation results showed excellent engagement across both cohorts.

·       93% of participants reported improved confidence in leading discussions

·       All participants agreed the training was relevant and applicable to their roles

·       Many highlighted the value of linking modern facilitation to Cook Islands cultural identity and leadership traditions

As confirmed by a participant from Cohort 2:  “Leadership is about listening and guiding, not just directing.”

Commitment to Future-Focused Leadership

OPSC acknowledges the contribution of partners CITTI and AA Focus Ltd in supporting a leadership programme that strengthens capability while honouring cultural identity. The training supports ongoing efforts to build a Public Service of excellence rooted in values, people, and place.

AA Focus Ltd, a New Zealand subsidiary of ACE Aotearoa, delivers high-quality training and capacity-building services and is recognised for its work with government and community organisations across New Zealand and the Pacific

For enquiries related to this release, please email opschr@cookislands.gov.ck.