Meitaki maata for your dedicated service and selfless leadership.

Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 01 September 2025 – In farewelling outgoing Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Ms Tepaeru Herrmann, Public Service Commissioner Mr Carl Hunter acknowledged her extensive and notable career dedicated to serving the people of the Cook Islands.

After nine years as Secretary, Ms Herrmann has decided to pursue her other interests and is stepping down from the role that she has dedicated herself to in the first week of October 2025. Her professional service over her three terms as Secretary is a demonstration of her unwavering commitment to enhancing the performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), and serving the Government and the people of the Cook Islands. This has been reflected in her merit-based approach to recruitment, by employing some of the most dedicated and passionate employees who are committed Public servants and are the results of the Government’s investment in developing transformative leadership.

Ms Herrmann is a distinguished diplomat and leader in public service. With a career spanning twenty-five years in the Cook Islands Public Sector, she has demonstrated expertise in managing international relations, balancing diverse interests, and advocating effectively for the Cook Islands. Her significant achievements include strengthening and elevating the country's international influence and standing, developing a modern Immigration framework with regional benchmarks, and enhancing the capacity of MFAI to attract new investments in finance, technology, security, and infrastructure from international partners. These accomplishments have been particularly notable during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges of ODA graduation. Additionally, MFAI secured the Chair position for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) and hosted the 52nd PIFLM, leaving a legacy of leadership and regional contribution.

Her exceptional leadership has significantly influenced her team's development. As Philippians 2:4 advises, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Ms Herrmann’s career has been marked by dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice in service to the Cook Islands,” said Commissioner Hunter. “While we farewell her with sadness, we also extend our gratitude for her immense contributions and wish her every success in the future.

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