Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce will not appoint a new chief executive officer following the conclusion of Rebecca Tavioni’s two-year term this month.

Tavioni joined the organisation, a business centre for the private sector in the Cook Islands, in February 2022 on a two-year fixed term, Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

She joined the Chamber office at the peak of its activities, managing its projects of work on the Cook Islands Government Private Sector Taskforce, CookSafe, CookSafe+, Green Climate Fund, Social Impact Fund, and Business Link Pacific.

Many of these activities have come to their natural conclusion and the Chamber confirms that the CEO role will remain vacant for the time being, the statement said.

Chamber of Commerce chair Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau said: “The Chamber of Commerce heads into 2024 with a dedicated Board of Directors and a clear strategic vision to deliver value for membership.”

“I am proud to Chair a Board that dedicates themselves wholeheartedly to Chamber matters.”

Tavioni thanked the Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity.

“The Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is critical for ensuring our private sector has representation with Government and within the Pacific region, it has been a privilege to meet and work alongside many talented, passionate people during my term as CEO.

“Meitaki maata no teia tikaanga manea ta kotou I oronga mai kiaku kia riro e naku e akatere I te Punanga Kimi Puapinga o te Kuki Airani.”

Since 2022, the Chamber has gone through a transformation from the hub of private sector support during the Covid-19 pandemic, to a sustained Business Link Pacific partner, the statement said.

“As Chamber’s activities have adapted, so too have its operational needs. The Chamber is restructuring and is currently recruiting a full-time project coordinator and a part-time Office Administrator. Any interested person should send their CV to chair@commerce.co.ck.”

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.