In a significant step towards inclusivity and equal access to justice, the new Te Mata Akamoeau Ombudsman Office opened yesterday, providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone, including people with disabilities, to seek and receive assistance.

Yesterday, invited guests gathered at Te Mata Akamoeau premises situated on Harley Street in Nikao to witness the special blessing of their easily accessible home office.

Expressing her delight, Niki Rattle, the Ombudsman, said she was “absolutely happy” upon discovering their new premises.

Although Rattle appreciated her previous office that was situated on the second floor of a building in Avarua, she noted the difficulties people faced in accessing it and expressed gratitude to their former landlord and her family for their support.

With the move to the new premises, Rattle reassured that anyone seeking assistance from the Ombudsman’s office would be able to easily locate and visit them.

“The idea was to move down to the community level where we can be easily accessible,” Rattle said.

Rattle thanked both her former landlords, Jackie Tuara and her family, and her new landlords, Kathy and Tony Wearing.

“People with disabilities was a concern to us in making sure they are accessible to us.”

The special blessing and opening of the new office coincided with the World Ombudsman Day which had the theme of diversity and service.

Guests at the event included Tui Dewes, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tinomana Tokerau Ariki, Makea Karika George Ariki, Makea Vakatini Phillip Ariki and Parliamentary staff. The entertainment was provided by Curly Hosking-Taripo and Destiny Tara Tolevu, and a special wall art gift was presented by the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, MP Tingika Elikana, and Tangata Vainerere, Clerk of Parliament.

The Ombudsman’s role involves conducting independent and impartial investigations, which are initiated upon the receipt of complaints.

This approach ensures a fair and unbiased process for resolving issues and addressing grievances.

One of the primary goals of the Ombudsman is to reach a fair balance between the public’s expectations of government services and the government’s responsibility to provide those services.

By doing so, the Ombudsman aims to foster a public service culture that upholds principles of fairness, dedication, and commitment.

The Ombudsman’s office seeks to promote a culture of openness, fairness and accountability within the public service, fostering dedication and commitment, guided by appreciation and consideration for the cultural values of the Cook Islands, in shaping the way government services are delivered and received.

Human rights and anti-corruption are other areas of interest for the office.

The Ombudsman explores: fair treatment by government agencies – investigate the administrative decisions and actions; people with disabilities are treated fairly – investigate complaints about discrimination against people with disabilities; fair treatment by police – investigate complaints about the actions of police; and requests for official information – review and investigate official information decisions.

The Ombudsman by virtue of the Ombudsman Act 1984 is an officer of and responsible to Parliament, meaning the Ombudsman reports to the Speaker of Parliament as the “controller of Parliament”.

Te Mata Akamoeau working team include Niki Rattle – Ombudsman, Jean Nootai – Corporate Services Lead, Elizabeth Nootai – Investigations Lead, Metua Taurarii – Investigations Officer and Destiny Tara Tolevu – Compliance Lead.

If you believe or someone you know has been treated unfairly (discriminated on the basis of disability) contact their office on 20605, by email at ombudsman.complaints@cookislands.gov.ck, or Facebook, or visit the office at Harley Street, Nikao. They are also able to come to you, and their service is completely free, impartial and confidential.