The 40th anniversary of Te Mata Akamoeau/Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday reflected on the four decades of dedicated service, advocacy and commitment to upholding the rights of Cook Islands citizens.

Established in 1984, the Ombudsman Office has played a pivotal role in promoting transparency, fairness and accountability within government and public services.

The Ombudsman conducts independent and impartial investigations initiated upon receipt of complaints, and endeavours to strike a fair balance between what the public expects from government services and government that provides those services.

The Ombudsman aims to develop a public service culture which upholds fairness; fosters dedication and commitment; and promotes openness and accountability, taking into account the Cook Islands cultural values.

Ombudsman Niki Rattle says she is “grateful” to the people who have brought Te Mata Akamoeau to where it stands today.

Rattle, the former Speaker of Parliament, says Ombudsman is a difficult job since “you are dealing with people who are upset”.

“I think it’s the nature of a complaint, when somebody comes, they’re really unhappy about something that’s happened to them and so our job is to be fair.”

She reiterates their job is “fairness for all”.

“We sit in the middle. We weigh the side of the government, we weigh the complaint, sometimes when we actually start talking it’s quite simple and we can resolve it.”

Rattle explains quite often a resolution can be reached negotiating and listening to both sides of the story without letting the complaint get bigger.

However, she notes that it’s always important to ask the complainant what they want out of this.

“Once you understand and know what they want then you start the discussions.”

Looking ahead, Te Mata Akamoeau would like a policy and legal advisor and an outreach person so the public is aware of what they do.

One of their new aspects is to establish the National Human Rights Institution within the Ombudsman.

In order to do that there has been some consultation work in Aitutaki and Mangaia, but none in the north. With assistance, they can now visit the north and do some awareness raising about people’s human rights.

Rattle explains: “Once we establish that within our office then when we do our investigations, it’s an area we can really hone into. So disability rights is something that we are dealing with now and inclusivity.”

Most rewarding for Rattle is working at the public level where members of the community can actually go into their office and do something.

“Here a person off the street comes in and you’re dealing at that level and the government – trying to make the two work because after all that’s why government exists, because it’s for the people. So, the people get to have their say in how the governments can do its work… people can contribute to what happens in government,” she adds.

“We’re not the enemy, we’re supposed to be working for our people. We’re totally independent of the government.”

The Ombudsman is an Officer of Parliament and is accountable to the Speaker of the House.

Rattle is also the Australasian Pacific Ombudsmen Region (APOR) regional president on the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) Board.

Her most special moment during the 40^th celebrations was the acknowledgement and gifting of pearl parau plaques to the former Ombudsmen and their families recognising their contribution.

Tearoa John Tini was the only former Ombudsman (2012 – 2019) present at the event.

Tini shares during his time in office, when dealing with “angry people”, it was best to just listen, have patience and explain how things had to be dealt with fairly.

He adds a lot of complaints were dealt with verbally and a lot was resolved.

Tini’s wife, Tutu Tini, was also recognised for her service to Te Mata Akamoeau. She had worked for the very first Ombudsman Tangata Simiona in the 1980s, followed by Henry Brown, Mata Andrew and Janet Maki, before her retirement.

Former Ombudsmen and employees of the Cook Islands Ombudsman were paid homage for their service.

Former Ombudsmen

1984 – Government enabled by legislation the Official Ombudsman Act

1985 – 1992 Ombudsman Tangata Simiona OBE, the first staff were Joseph Haupini and Tutu Tini.

1992 – 2000 Ombudsman Henry Brown, staff – Joseph Haupini and Tutu Tini.

2000 – 2006 Ombudsman Andrew Mata Turua, staff - Joseph Haupini, Tutu Tini, Ngariki Thompson. The office was located at the Uritaua House in Avatiu.

2006 Nov – 2011 Ombudsman Janet Maki after 11 years as Solicitor General at Crown Law. Staff were Tutu Tini, Jeannine Daniel, Junior Ngatokorua and Nooke Thomas.

Janet Maki resigned in 2011, for about a year the position was vacant.

2012 - 2019 Ombudsman Tearoa John Tini. Staff – Jeannine Daniel, Shona Lynch, Pokia, Maybelline Bullen, Elizabeth Nootai, Joyce Ingram.

2019 - 2021 Ombudsman Nono Tearea (currently in NZ for medical). Staff – Jeannine Daniel, Destiny Tara Tolevu, Elizabeth Nootai, Dennis and Metua.

2022 – Ombudsman Niki Rattle. Staff - Destiny Tara Tolevu, Pehau Browne, Edouard Batalliard and Metua Taurani.