Tepaeru Herrmann has been reappointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) for a fourth consecutive term.

Speaking about her appointment, Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter in a statement said, “The re-appointment of Ms Herrmann is a credit to her tireless work over the last nine years (three terms) as Secretary, and affirmation of her commitment to lifting the performance of MFAI in service to the Government and people of the Cook Islands.”

“It is also a nod to the meritocracy-based recruitment policies of the Public Service and Government’s investment in transformative leadership.”

The Secretary of MFAI is responsible for delivering on the Government’s priorities as they relate to foreign policy, international trade policy and immigration policy as well as contributing to the Cook Islands broader security, economic, ocean and environmental objectives. 

The Secretary is also responsible for leading and managing the operations of the Ministry which has 35 full time staff and 18 part time (who provide Immigration services at the border) across headquarters in Rarotonga, diplomatic missions in Wellington and Suva, a Consulate in Auckland and Ambassadors based in France and the UK.

Hunter said: “Ms Herrmann is an accomplished diplomat and public service leader with integrity. In a career spanning twenty-five years in the Cook Islands Public Service, Ms Herrmann has mastered managing international relationships, balancing competing interests and advocating successfully for the Cook Islands.”

“With over a decade of outstanding diplomatic service at the highest echelons, Ms Herrmann has demonstrated performance excellence in organisational management and leadership.

“She has expanded the Cook Islands international presence, securing significant support for the Cook Islands development priorities, and elevating the country’s regional influence.”

Herrmann holds a Post Graduate Diploma in International Affairs from the University of the South Pacific, and a double Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Commerce from the Australian National University in Canberra.

She has worked in the Public Sector for more than 20 years, holding posts with the Cook Islands Treasury, the Business Trade and Investment Board, MFAI, and the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington - where she served as Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand - resident in Wellington - before taking the role of MFAI Secretary in the Cook Islands. 

Hunter added: “As the Public Service Commissioner, I take this opportunity to congratulate Ms Herrmann on her successful re-appointment for a fourth consecutive term as the country’s top diplomat.”

“I look forward to working closely with and supporting her and the team at MFAI continue to promote issues of regional and international importance to the 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.