OPS CC Delivers Capacity-Building Workshop for Mitiaro Island Government

27 November 2025

OPSC Delivers Capacity-Building Workshops for Mitiaro Island Government

Mitiaro, Cook Islands, 3-7 November 2025 – The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) represented by Mary Strickland (Head of Agencies Coordinator), Tepuretu Whitta (Senior Policy & Legal Advisor), and Tepaeru Tauraki (Human Resource Manager) completed a productive visit to Mitiaro from 3–7 November, delivering a series of workshops aimed at strengthening governance, workforce capability, and understanding of key public sector processes across the Island Government.

The OPSC team met with the Mayor Mr Tati Tutaka and Island Council Government Representative – Julian Aupuni, to outline the week’s programme which included training sessions covering business planning, organisational structures, job design, performance management, complaint handling, and Public Sector conduct.   

The workshops equipped the Executive Officer (Anna Roi) and her Managers with practical tools to support effective leadership—such as writing clear job descriptions, setting SMART performance goals, and applying HR processes consistently. Managers also had the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the broader machinery of Government and the role of the Public Service Commissioner. Additional resources to support complaint-handling processes will be provided by OPSC when it reviews its guidance materials.

A Public Sector Orientation was also delivered for all Government staff in Mitiaro which provided an overview of how Government operates, expectations of public servants, and the standards that support a high-performing Public Service.  Staff feedback on several matters will be considered by OPSC as part of its ongoing work to support Pa Enua administrations.

Mitiaro representatives also expressed interest in renewed block training opportunities, similar to previous programmes delivered through CITTI which CITTI has now confirmed to OPSC that it continues to offer such training on an “as-available” basis, and Island Governments are encouraged to liaise directly with CITTI to explore future opportunities.

The visit included one-on-one consultations for staff seeking guidance on employment matters and the Public Service Act 2009. Managers expressed appreciation for the face-to-face engagement and the opportunity to build capability in areas directly relevant to their roles.

The OPSC remains committed to supporting Pa Enua public service capability and will continue to work collaboratively with island governments to strengthen governance, workforce development, and access to relevant training and resources.

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