13 Septemeber 2021
Mr Tamarii Tutangata, the former Chief Executive Officer for Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), was appointed as the Secretary for the Ministry for Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) effective as of 7 October 2021. Tutangata will serve in this role for twelve months while the Office of the Public Service Commissioner continues its search for the recruitment of a suitably qualified individual as permanent Head of Ministry of ICI.
Tutangata has extensive experience in strategic level management, having previously served in various senior roles in the Cook Islands and regionally. He started his career in the Cook Islands Public Service in 1971 as a Criminal Court Clerk with the Justice Department before moving to External Affairs Division of the Premier’s Department – the predecessor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration where he completed his period there as the Acting (1972) and then becoming the permanent Head from 1973-1975.
Tutangata has also worked regionally for the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Cooperation the forerunner to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) from 1975-1978; and as the Deputy Secretary General (Programmes) at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) between 1980-1987; and then ending his stellar regional career as the Director for the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) between 1996 – 2002.
On his return to the Cook Islands at the completion of his term at SPC, Tutangata took over the reins as Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Department from 1989-1991. He became Secretary for the Ministry of Cultural Development from 1992-1995 and as Secretary to the Ministry of Internal Affairs from 2006-2009.
The Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter confirmed that “Tutangata has an excellent understanding of the workings of Government including the effective and efficient management of large national infrastructure projects. He is an extremely competent individual, is an honest professional, hard-working team player who is down-to-earth and engaging”. PS Commissioner Hunter welcomes Tutangata back to the Public Service and looks forward to working with him to enable ICI to deliver premier infrastructure for all through quality planning, project design and project management, promoting sustainable and environmentally sound practices.
PS Commissioner also acknowledges the excellent contribution by outgoing Acting ICI HoM Wil Pille, who completed his contract with ICI on 6 October 2021. Pille returns to New Zealand on tomorrow’s flight with his wife Jill.
ENDS
Enquiries regarding this media release can be directed to Teresa Tura, Corporate Services Manager, at Teresa.tura@cookislands.gov.ck or call 29 421 during Office hours. This article will be posted to www.psc.gov.ck