John Hosking has been reappointed as the secretary for the Ministry of Transport (MOT) for a third term.

Under his new term as Transport Secretary, Hosking is anticipated to lead the International Marine Organisation (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in the maritime sector, with a focus on ensuring regulatory compliance, building institutional capacity, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration and coordination.

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter announced this on Friday stating Hosking who was first appointed into the role of Transport Secretary six years ago will now serve for another three years.

Hunter said the Secretary of MOT is responsible for delivering on the government’s priorities in Civil Aviation, Land Transport, Maritime Transport and Meteorological Services in the Cook Islands.

He said Hosking has acknowledged the ongoing complex challenges faced by the Ministry, particularly in the maritime, civil aviation, land transport, meteorological services, liquor and dangerous goods sectors. These challenges have been exacerbated as a result of global safety and security threats as well as retention and recruitment challenges faced by the Ministry post COVID-19.

“Nonetheless, under Hosking’s leadership, the MOT was instrumental in the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Security Audit Program (USAP) to enable the Cook Islands to identify any significant threats to aviation security. Furthermore, Mr Hosking has been working on the finalisation of the Land Transport Policy.”

Hunter said “In my role over the past four years I have had the opportunity to collaborate with Secretary Hosking and develop a cordial working relationship that is built on trust and respect. “Acknowledging the technical complexities within the maritime and civil aviation sectors, including the ongoing recruitment challenges faced by the Ministry, I remain confident that Mr Hosking and his team will continue to enhance the Ministry’s capabilities and delivery of its core functions in an effective and timely manner.

“It is also reassuring to note that Hosking’s collaboration with development partners such as New Zealand, including international and regional agencies, continues to be very strong in terms of both securing valuable technical support and funding to enable both capacity building and participation at key maritime and civil aviation engagements. I congratulate Mr Hosking on his reappointment and look forward to working closely with him and Team Transport moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Hosking says: “I am humbled by the grace of our Heavenly Father, continuously serving our people of the Cook Islands and advocating transport in accordance with Governments key priority areas.”

He emphasises that the Ministry cannot work in isolation and will continue to strengthen its relationship with the private and public sector.

 This appointment reinforces the government’s dedication to public service excellence and the pursuit of a resilient and secure Cook Islands.

Heads of Ministries (HoM) are employed under a three-year term contract, and pursuant to the Public Service Amendment Act 2009. Following the completion of a second term (six years) and every three years thereafter, the role will be advertised, and incumbents can re-apply as part of the normal recruitment process.