OPSC Media Release: Pacific Diplomats strengthen skills through New Zealand training

Rarotonga, Cook Islands 31 January 2025  

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) in partnership with the New Zealand High Commission (NZHC), is pleased to announce that  Messers Te Ara Henderson Senior Policy & Legal Officer, Seabed Minerals Authority) and Mani Mate (Director, Development Coordination Division, MFEM were selected to participate in the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme—a professional development initiative aimed at equipping emerging public servants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate regional and international diplomacy.  Although primarily targeted for emerging foreign service officers, this programme has been extended to those whose current work programmes include direct engagement with foreign Governments, development partners and other regional stakeholders. 

The pair were selected based on their extensive involvement in foreign policy matters, including developing seabed mineral regulations, representing the Cook Islands at International Seabed Authority meetings in Jamaica for Henderson; and for Mate, engaging directly with Development Partners, Multilateral Development Banks, UN climate finance bodies, and overseas Governments to strengthen international financial cooperation.  Both officials have experience in interacting with foreign Governments and organizations and lead active roles in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships for their respective Agencies.

The five-week residential programme, delivered over two modules, focuses on strengthening Pacific Foreign Service Ministries and fostering collaboration among diplomats across the region. The first module, Module Tahi, took place in New Zealand from 18 November to 6 December 2024 (15 days), while the second Module Rua is scheduled for early to mid-March 2025 (12 days).

Building Capacity and Strengthening Regional Ties

The Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme aims to strengthen Foreign Service officers' capabilities, enhance organizational performance, increase awareness of geo-strategic issues, improve navigation of complex foreign policy environments, foster regional networking, and enhance business transactions across sectors.

Both candidates  have already completed Module Tahi and shared valuable insights from their experience citing that "This programme has provided a unique opportunity to engage with fellow Pacific diplomats and enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of the regional and international landscape,"  Moreover, they both identified that "One of the most valuable aspects of the training was learning how to navigate complex foreign policy discussions while building meaningful partnerships across the region,".

The Public Service Commissioner, Mr Carl Hunter, acknowledges the continued support of the New Zealand High Commission in fostering professional development opportunities for our public servants.

Following the completion of Module Two in March 2025, the participants are expected to apply their knowledge and experiences to further enhance diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation.

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

ENDS

Photo: Hon. Winston Peters joins the training cohort members.

Photo: Participants of the Pacific Diplomatic Training Programme (OPSC/010125)