Immigration Cook Islands closed their offices for one day earlier this month to convene an all staff gathering to reflect on the work of the last three years and consolidate forward priorities and effort for the three years ahead.

The retreat theme was “Team + Work” with an emphasis on how each inter-division of Immigration Cook Islands; Border Security, Compliance and Visa and Permit Processing collaborate to achieve an all of Service output within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) community.

An agency organisational workforce restructure approved by the Office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2023 has supported the Service recalibrate work organisation and service delivery to align with the requirements of the new Immigration Act, regulations, policy and the evolving demands of the Cook Islands economy and society.

The implementation of the appointment’s only system by the Service at the beginning of 2024 and its assumption of primary line processing at both the Air and Sea international ports on the re-opening of borders post Covid has required a process of ongoing workforce support, recalibration, and investment by MFAI.

MFAI Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann said: “It is not an easy decision to close immigration service delivery for a day and bring our immigration team together given international flights schedules and the processing demands for visas and permits however it was necessary to pause, reflect and consolidate our efforts by placing emphasis on workforce empowerment and lifting our service delivery.” “The retreat focused on key components of immigration strategic intent, organisational structure and operational processes, and shared values so we can better embed inter-operability between our teams and continue to lift our service delivery.”

The outcomes of the retreat will inform forward work plans including ongoing workforce development, improvements to workspaces, ICT upgrades and continued modernisation of the immigration service.

For principal immigration officer Chere Arthur, the retreat forged “a team commitment based on contributions from the officers that reflect the working environment and the means to deliver on the strategic priorities of the immigration service supported by the shared values the Ministry strives to cultivate and uphold”.

“The essence of this commitment is to serve and protect the Cook Islands to the best of our ability by ensuring our health and wellbeing, including mental health, ensuring respect and professionalism within our Service and service delivery and being clear why we choose to work as immigration officers within MFAI.”

- MFAI