Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Hugh Graham will step down from his role once the sporting organisation’s membership approves the 2023 financial accounts.

Graham’s final four-year term ends this year and he was expected to step down at CISNOC’s annual general meeting (AGM) held last month.

He is the longest serving CISNOC president and in an interview with the local TV, Graham said he would be retiring.

“If my memory serves me right, I mentioned that I would be retiring ... I have served the maximum term one can as president (three terms or 12 years, whichever comes first) ... this making me the longest serving president of CISNOC to date.”

When asked about CISNOC’s Annual General Meeting and its delay, Graham said the AGM was held on Wednesday, April 17, at the Atiu Hostel as agreed by the CISNOC membership. 

He explained that the delay was due to CISNOC’s auditor stepping down as well as the former secretary general Owen Lewis resigning.

Cook Islands News understands Graham was to step down at the AGM and make way for the new president, believed to be Romani Katoa, the senior vice president of CISNOC.

“The membership agreed to hold another meeting later on in the year to approve the auditor and 2023 financial accounts,” Graham said.

He said the extraordinary meeting will be scheduled once membership approves an auditor and the accounts are audited.

Earlier this month, CISNOC confirmed the appointment of Keziah Lewis, daughter of Owen Lewis, as the new secretary general.

The 29-year-old basketball rep is the second female since Rosie Blake to take on the role in the sporting organisation. She officially started on the role on Monday, May 13.

The appointment has caused controversy among critics who questioned the selection process and its credibility.

Graham told Cook Islands News: “The majority of the Board agreed to offer the position to Keziah.”

“As agreed by the Board (Keziah) will be given every assistance and guidance to ensure a smooth transition into her new role.”