The Public Service Commissioner is pleased to announce the re-appointment of two key leadership positions following comprehensive and robust recruitment processes. Mrs Myra Patai has been re-appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC), and Mr Garth Henderson has been re-appointed as Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM). Both appointments represent continuity of exceptional leadership during a critical reform period for the Cook Islands Public Service.

Mrs Myra Patai – Chief Executive Officer, Office of the Public Service Commissioner

Myra Patai has been re-appointed for her third consecutive 3-year term as OPSC CEO. She brings over three decades of distinguished Public Service experience, including almost twenty-three years with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2013-2015), where she represented the Cook Islands at high-level regional and international meetings including Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meetings. Prior to joining OPSC, she served as Director for Policy with the Ministry of Marine Resources for over two and a half years.

Key Achievements

• Enhanced transparency in recruitment processes for Heads of Ministries through improved monitoring tools and standardized procedures

• Strengthened departmental performance management systems across the Public Service

• Led successful Public Sector Orientation programmes, equipping officials with essential knowledge for effective service delivery

• Advanced job evaluation capabilities through Strategic Pay accreditation training, ensuring consistent and fair position assessments

• Fostered diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Public Service

Priority Areas and Future Work Programme

• Leading the Cook Islands Government Functional Review in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), following Cabinet endorsement, to improve Public Service effectiveness and efficiency

• Scoping an Implementation Plan for the Government Functional Review Report

• Implementing the National Workforce Development Plan, with scoping work currently underway with ADB support

• Developing a Human Resources Strategy for the Public Service

• Scoping a Shared Services model for Human Resources

April 26, 2024

• Completing the IGOV Public Sector Strategy 2026-2031 with an Implementation Plan

• Prioritizing workforce planning and service delivery improvements as high-priority areas under the Functional Review

• Navigating public sector reforms in response to the pause in New Zealand's Public Sector Strengthening Fund ($10.5 million), ensuring continuity of essential services

• Enhancing organisational capability through strategic planning that translates Government goals into effective, actionable plans for improved service delivery

Mr Garth Henderson – Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management

Garth Henderson has been re-appointed for his fourth consecutive 3-year term as Financial Secretary, having completed nine years in this role with over 40 years of distinguished experience in the public sector. As the Government's most senior finance advisor, he manages MFEM's six diverse divisions: Economic Planning, Treasury Management, Revenue Management, Cook Islands Statistics Office, Development Coordination, and Major Projects Procurement Support. His reappointment reflects exceptional leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the Cook Islands' economic history.

Key Achievements

• Guided the Cook Islands economy through the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving a fiscal surplus of 5.0% of GDP for 2024/25, exceeding expectations

• Secured $70 million in climate finance (November 2025) to establish an Enhanced Direct Access Facility for climate resilience

• Successfully advanced procurement of two inter-island passenger and cargo vessels, with steel cutting ceremony completed in September 2025

• Led the Northern Group Battery Systems Replacement Project, enhancing energy security across the outer islands

• Launched the first Cook Islands Digital & Financial Literacy Survey (May 2025), informing policy for digital economy participation

Priority Areas and Future Work Programme

• Managing the fiscal impact of New Zealand's funding pause ($30+ million suspended), including $20 million in direct budget support and $10.5 million in Public Sector Strengthening funding, while maintaining essential services

• Overseeing completion of inter-island vessels MV Tuitui Moana (expected 2026) to strengthen maritime connectivity across the 15 islands

• Advancing digital and financial inclusion initiatives in line with the National Digital Strategy 2024-2030

• Diversifying the economy and expanding access to climate finance to support the goal of achieving a billion-dollar economy within five years

• Continuing infrastructure oversight for major capital projects including Te Mato Vai and Mei Te Vai Ki Te Vai

• Strengthening revenue management and public financial management systems to maintain economic growth projected at $834.6 million GDP by 2028/29

Public Service Commissioner's Statement

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter acknowledged the critical importance of both appointments: "These re-appointments ensure continuity of exceptional leadership during a transformative period for our Public Service. Myra's strategic vision and deep understanding of the machinery of Government, combined with her commitment to fostering collaboration, positions OPSC to lead critical reforms including the Government Functional Review."

"Garth's expertise and fiscal discipline have been instrumental in navigating unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the current funding environment. The manner in which our economy has weathered these storms and continues to grow beyond expectations is testament to his all-round capabilities. Both leaders bring the wealth of experience and professionalism needed to secure the best outcomes for the Cook Islands and our people."

Together, these appointments strengthen the Cook Islands' capacity to deliver effective Public Services, maintain fiscal sustainability, and navigate the challenges ahead while ensuring that community needs remain at the forefront of decision-making.

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