A new chief of staff to the Office of the Prime Minister has been appointed to lead the team in advancing key national initiatives, including the National Sustainable Development Agenda.

Former Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration senior official Karopaerangi Ngatoko has been appointed as the new chief of staff to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The appointment was confirmed yesterday by Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter.

Hunter stated that, effective January 20th, Ngatoko will succeed Ben Ponia.

“Karopaerangi brings over a decade of leadership experience in high-level policy development and advice, strategic planning, and public service across the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and the Pacific region,” Hunter said in a statement.

“Her career highlights include her tenure as director of the International and Trade Division at the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, where she contributed to the development of the Ministry’s Statement of Strategic Intentions 2019–2024, provided strategic oversight for international bilateral and trade relationships, and advanced key border strengthening initiatives, including diplomatic clearance processes.”

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter with the newly appointed chief of staff, Karopaerangi Ngatoko.25011506.

The Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC) said that in her most recent role as manager secretariat and governance at the Public Service Fale housed within the New Zealand Public Service Commission, Ngatoko demonstrated visionary leadership in advancing Pacific-wide public sector strengthening initiatives.

“Karopaerangi’s appointment reflects the Government’s continued commitment to fostering leadership that aligns with the Cook Islands’ strategic priorities,” Hunter said.

“Her governance expertise, outcomes-focussed approach, and dedication to public service make her an outstanding choice for Chief of Staff and as her employer, I look forward to working closely with Karopaerangi during her tenure at the helm of the OPM.”

Prime Minister Mark Brown said that Ngatoko embodies the values of innovation, service and collaboration that are essential for the critical role.

“She brings leadership experience that will position her well to guide the OPM as we continue to advance the economic and development priorities of the Cook Islands,” Brown said.

Ngatoko said she was humbled and privileged to serve as chief of staff of the Office of the Prime Minister and is passionate and committed to leading with integrity, fostering innovation and delivering results that matter to the people and the nation.

“I look forward to building on the foundation established and collaborating with the team to achieve our shared goals,” she said.

As chief of staff, Ngatoko will lead a team of over 40 employees, focusing on key national initiatives such as implementation of the National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ (NSDA), climate resilience programmes, digital transformation, robust emergency management practices and sustainable development plans.

Her mandate includes aligning Government policies with national priorities, fostering interagency collaboration, and strengthening partnerships with regional and international stakeholders to advance and bring cohesion to the goals set out in the NSDA.

OPSC says that this appointment reinforces the Government’s dedication to public service excellence and the pursuit of a resilient and secure Cook Islands.

Outgoing chief of staff Ben Ponia took on the role in 2018.

Public Service Commissioner Hunter acknowledged Ponia for his steadfast service, which has provided a strong foundation for Ngatoko to build upon, and commended him for his services during the six years he has been in the role.

PM Brown also acknowledged Ponia for his years of service and contribution.

“I know he will continue to do well in his new role,” Brown said.

Cook Islands News understands that Ponia has assumed a new role within the OPM.