The Ombudsman office “Te Mata Akamoeau” has moved to their new premises at Harley Street, Nikao to facilitate more engagement, to ensure their services are more accessible to the community.

Previously, the Ombudsman office was situated upstairs in the TJ Browne Building since 2016.

The Office of the Ombudsman is tasked with investigating complaints about the administrative decisions and actions of government agencies, and promotes fairness, transparency and accountability in public administration.

Since its establishment the office is solely responsible for investigating complaints against Government Ministries and Crown Agencies under the Ombudsman Act 1984.

In February 2008, this increased to include the Official Information Act 2008.

This gave the Ombudsman the mandate to investigate and review complaints about decisions made by Ministries, Ministers of the Crown and Crown Agencies on requests for official information held by the Cook Islands Government.

The office also investigates complaints about discrimination against persons with disabilities, police misconduct and official information requests.

The Disability Act 2008 gave the Ombudsman the role of investigating complaints where people living with a disability or their agent, feel that they have been discriminated against on the basis of their disability.

In 2012, the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman was further increased to include the Police Act 2012.

This empowered the Ombudsman to investigate complaints in terms of the conduct of police officers, issues relating to policies and procedures.

It’s role as an independent and impartial authority, serves as an opportunity for people to address grievances and seek resolutions regarding administrative actions or decisions made by government bodies and public institutions.

Demonstrating its commitment to “inclusivity”, the relocation reflects their dedication in improving accessibility to its services and ensuring the voices of the public are heard, and that everyone should have equal access to justice and fair treatment.

Former Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament Niki Rattle was sworn in as the new Ombudsman in January 2022.

The Ombudsman Office can be contacted on 20605, via email at ombdusman.complaints@cookislands.gov.ck or via social media (Facebook & Instagram) @TeMatoAkamoeau