Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau has been elected the new chair of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce at its annual general meeting (AGM) this week.

Hosking-Tinirau, the country manager for Air New Zealand, took over the reins from outgoing chair Phillip Henderson, the chief executive of Vodafone Cook Islands.

The “well attended” AGM held at the Edgewater Resort Conference Room on Tuesday also elected new vice-chair Eve Hayden, and directors Vaine Nooana-Arioka, Rebecca Puni, David Street and Steve Anderson. Existing

directors Gaye Whitta, Chantal Napa and Liana Scott continue for a further year.

In his outgoing remarks, Henderson said that the Cook Islands continue to persevere in its recovery from one of the most challenging economic disruptions in its history.

“We are absorbing the shock of increasing inflation, restricted labour forces and a slow return of flights and visiting tourists to our shores to name a few,” Henderson said.

According to a statement from the Chamber, reports on the last 12 months highlighted Chamber’s involvement with the National Labour Advisory Board, Liquor Licensing, Superannuation, Land Agents Registration, Marae Moana Council, ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) and the Minimum Wage Review.

Of considerable importance was the Chamber’s representations to government

regarding revisions to the Immigration Regulations, with announcements on this expected soon, the statement said.

The Chamber also supported 99 small local businesses by facilitating grants for them from Business Link Pacific.

Henderson said: “With a number of our Covid related funding streams coming to their natural conclusion, we’ve seen a change in staffing levels and activities. However, our goals remain ambitious, our business needs are great, and there is still more to do to ensure a prosperous business economy for our members.”

A strategic plan was presented that included improving value for membership, having a consistent voice, monitoring the economy, maintaining a productive working relationship with government and promoting good governance.

The Chamber said that some specific actions for the coming year include working with the government on mechanisms to manage credit card fees, reviewing the BTIB (Business Trade and Investment Board) fee structure, and engaging on the proposed water metering mechanism and tariff.

The Chamber also celebrates its 40^th anniversary shortly, and a major event is planned, the statement added.

New chair Hosking-Tinirau thanked the outgoing chair for his tireless work for the Chamber, welcomed the incoming team, and expressed her determination to set a fast-track pace for the work ahead.

The meeting concluded with a social event sponsored by Vodafone, BSP, and Edgewater.

The Chamber of Commerce is officially recognised as the voice of the Cook Islands private sector. The group works on promoting and encouraging the growth of new and existing businesses, while also opposing or working to lessen the effects of anything that might negatively impact Cook Islands commerce and trade.