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18 November 2024
First Cohort of emerging Public Sector Leaders Successfully Completes Inaugural Programme
Rarotonga, Cook Islands 14 November 2024 - The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) in collaboration with the New Zealand Public Service Commission’s Public Service Fale has successfully delivered the first-ever Leadership Development Programme for emerging leaders in the Public Sector. The three-day programme, which ran from 29 - 31 October 2024, aimed to build the confidence, self-awareness, and leadership capabilities of emerging Public Service leaders across the country. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the leadership programme, a ‘Train the Trainers’ component was introduced, with selected trainers successfully completing the first cohort of the programme.
The initiative is part of OPSC's ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership in the Public Sector by equipping leaders with the tools, skills, and methods necessary to navigate the challenges of modern public service leadership. The programme supports the key priorities of the Cook Islands Government Public Sector Strategy 2016-2025 which acknowledges the important role that our people or employees play in delivering a Public Service of excellence to our stakeholders and community. The Strategy recognizes that our stakeholders want a well-led and trusted Public Sector, which can only be achieved if we actively support the growth of leaders who are poised to make a significant impact in the Public Sector.
A Transformative Experience for Public Sector Leaders
The course offered nineteen emerging leaders’ an opportunity to engage in a balanced mix of theoretical and practical leadership development, providing them with frameworks for sound decision-making, emotional intelligence, and effective team leadership.
"The programme is designed to empower emerging leaders with the confidence and capabilities needed to succeed and thrive in the public sector," said Myra Patai, Chief Executive Officer of OPSC. "Public sector leadership requires a unique combination of skills—empathy, accountability, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence others for positive change. Our aim was to provide these leaders with not only the knowledge but the personal insights to lead with authenticity and impact."
Inspiring Leadership from former Heads of Ministries
A key highlight of the programme was the inclusion of three distinguished keynote speakers: Elizabeth Iro (former Secretary of Health), Cecilia Short (former Public Service Commissioner), and Tevai Bobby Matapo (former Police Commissioner), who shared their personal leadership experiences and career journeys with the participants. The speakers provided invaluable insights into the realities of leadership at the highest levels of Government, offering practical lessons on navigating challenges, managing change, and fostering innovation in the Public Sector.
“The keynote speeches were an absolute highlight for all of us. Hearing from leaders who have shaped public policy and driven major initiatives was not only inspiring but gave us a clear sense of the impact we can have as public servants,” said one participant. “Their stories of resilience, vision, and leadership were a powerful reminder of why we do what we do in the Public Service.”
Fostering cross-Agency collaboration
An important feature of the programme was the chance for leaders from diverse Public Sector organizations to share experiences, challenges, and strategies. This cross-pollination of ideas and best practices strengthened the collective leadership capability of the Public Service and fostered a deeper sense of community among public servants. “The programme wasn’t just about individual growth; it was also about creating connections between leaders in different parts of the Public Service. It has opened new opportunities for collaboration and sharing of knowledge,” said Carl Hunter, Public Service Commissioner.
Expanding the Programme with local tertiary providers
Looking ahead, OPSC are planning to continue the Leadership Development Programme by collaborating with local tertiary education providers CITTI. This partnership will enable the programme to offer even more accessible, accredited leadership development opportunities for Public Sector leaders, ensuring that the next generation of leaders can benefit from formal, high-quality educational frameworks.
Closing ceremony highlights successful programme completion
The programme concluded with a formal closing ceremony, where participants were presented with certificates of completion by the New Zealand High Commissioner Her Excellency Catherine Graham, the Public Service Commissioner, and the OPSC Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the participants' achievements.
Looking to the Future
Following the success of the inaugural programme, OPSC plans to make this Leadership Development Programme an ongoing initiative, with potentially another cohort in 2025, where OPSC intends to expand the programmes reach to include more Public Sector leaders at various levels of Government. “We are committed to ensuring the public sector continues to grow and evolve with strong, capable leaders,” said Carl Hunter, Public Service Commissioner.
For enquiries related to this release, please email OPSCMedia@cookislands.gov.ck.
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