The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) conducted a short induction programme yesterday morning following the successful completion of a four-week intensive training by the newest immigration border officers.

Cook Islands Immigration, in collaboration with Immigration New Zealand as part of the Hakili Matagi partnership programme, developed the Immigration Core Elements (ICE) warranting programme, MFAI said in a statement.

“This intake is the first to undertake training and successfully complete 10 of the 30 modules in the programme, which focuses on migration and identity, partnerships, intelligence, people, processes and products.”

According to MFAI, the Immigration workforce – both long-serving and recently recruited staff—will, over the coming months, undertake and complete the full warranting programme.

This will culminate in a final graduation ceremony to be held in the last quarter of 2025, where participants will receive their certificates of completion and immigration officer badges.

MFAI principal immigration officer Chere Arthur stated that yesterday’s ceremony was an excellent opportunity to recognise the achievements of the new border officers as they begin their journey with MFAI.

“The four-week intensive programme has been a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for our newest recruits. It was delivered by senior immigration officers who have developed coaching and leadership skills through on-the-job learning and international exposure.,” Arthur said.

“The capability development journey is ongoing for all immigration officers, and we look forward to this cohort joining our border team to support MFAI’s delivery of border security responsibilities.”

The graduated cohort joins the Border Security team of 10 officers responsible for processing arriving and departing passengers at Rarotonga International Airport.

The timing of this training completion aligns well with the start of additional flights as visitor numbers are expected to increase in the coming weeks, MFAI said.