Interest in the Executive Officer (EO) roles in the Pa Enua has grown slightly compared to four years ago, with nearly 30 applications submitted this year.

Applications for seven key administration EO positions on the islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Manihiki, Mangaia, Mauke, Penrhyn, and Pukapuka, closed on October 21.

The Executive Officer is the principal administrative officer of the island government and is required to attend all meetings of the island council and any committee of the council.

Mia Teaurima, director of sland goovernance at the Office of the Prime Minister, noted that there was a surge of interest particularly from individuals living outside the island, rather than from those who actually live on island.

Teaurima said this could be an indication that more people are wanting to return to their home islands, or that people want to see changes in the island administration and maybe want to improve on that.

“The executive officer has a challenging role; it is a leadership and a key administrative role,” he says.

“This is the go to person who advises the mayor or island council and executes the plan the decisions of the island council.”

Teaurima is hopeful of having people in the executive officer roles who have the capabilities and capacities to carry out the responsibilities the position entails.

“This person will be working within the constraints of the government policies so they need to have a strong understanding of government policies, guidelines, regulations and work well with the people in the community,” he says.

“Someone who can work well with the mayor and island council and key stakeholders in the Pa Enua, it is very important the person can communicate well with the central government and communities.”

Responsibilities for the EO role include implementing the decisions of the respective Island Government in the Pa Enua, as well as preparing and providing monthly financial reports to the Island Government.

The appointment for the EO is for a term for up to four years.

Teaurima anticipates that the new EO appointments will be completed before the end of this month.

The Office of the Prime Minister leads the recruitment process for the panel.

In making an EO appointment under the Island Government Act section 29 (3), due and proper regard must be given to the need to appoint a person who is best suited to do all of the following: to discharge the specific responsibilities placed on the EO; and, to imbue the employees of the Island Government with a spirit of service to the community; and to promote efficiency in the administration of the affairs of the Island Government, and implement performance  measurement systems; and be a responsible manager; and to maintain appropriate standards of integrity and conduct among the employees of the Island Government; and to ensure that the Island Government  is a good employer; and to promote equal employment opportunities.