A new Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development has been appointed following Anthony Turua’s resignation late last year.

Tohoa Tangata Kairua, known as Emile Kairua, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development, effective January 27, for a term of three years.

Turua stepped down in September following spending allegations and a drink driving conviction.

A media release from the Office of the Public Service Commissioner said Kairua, who has been acting in the role, had an extensive background in marketing and public relations, and driving business development efforts in tourism and travel related businesses in the Cook Islands.

“Kairua is poised to bring invaluable leadership and vision to the Ministry of Cultural Development (MoCD),” Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter said in a written statement.

“His appointment comes at a significant time, as the Ministry continues to pursue its mission of fostering and strengthening cultural growth and preserving heritage in our community.”

Prior to joining the MoCD, Kairua held positions, including being on the first Māori Language Commission, Cook Islands Broadcasting as producer and director of Karioi, a five-hour a week cultural TV programme, and later as general manager and managing director, product and marketing manager of Island Hopper Vacations, then director of sales and marketing, and cultural ambassador at The Edgewater Resort and Spa, where he was also the general manager for two of the past 15 years.

“In these roles, he demonstrated exceptional management skills, a deep understanding of cultural protocols and policies, and a passion for promoting the arts,” Hunter said.

“This diverse experience will undoubtedly contribute to his ability to develop innovative strategies to enhance cultural development and Te Reo Maori.

“Since Kairua’s appointment as acting Secretary for MoCD, he was further able to demonstrate his commitment, experience and vision to lead the Ministry into the future, particularly, when he had to pull together his team to deliver support for the hosting of last year’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting followed by the Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting.”

Kairua said he is keen to continue the work required to develop all critical areas of Cook Islands culture, and Te Reo.

He said there was importance in being aware of growing stakeholder involvement and creating an inclusive environment where Cook Islanders could both contribute to its cultural and economic development, as well as benefit from its successes.

Hunter said with Kairua at the helm, he anticipated the Ministry would continue to strengthen the continued development, promotion and preservation of Cook Islands culture and cultural identity.

“I am excited about the direction and changes that Emile will likely make as the head of the Ministry and on that front, I wish him all the very best. He has my firm support.”