Secretary for the Ministry of Marine Resource (MMR), Pamela Maru has been reappointed for another three-year term.

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner in a statement said during her first term Maru undertook a number of key strategic milestones aimed at improving the ministry’s overall performance. This included the finalisation of MMR’s new strategic plan, workforce plan, risk management plan and service charter.

“Maru’s clear leadership and collaborative management style also made positive in-roads with relevant stakeholders, including working coherently and effectively with the Island Councils and Executive Officers of the Pa Enua,” said the release.

Maru now intends to focus on strengthening staff capabilities, particularly across science and policy, developing strategic partnerships at home and abroad for improved service delivery, review of key legislation such as the Marine Resources Act, and strengthening coastal fisheries management across the Cook Islands.

The Public Service Commissioner, Carl Hunter, said he found Maru engaging, responsive and extremely passionate about the marine sector.

“Without question, Pamela is very dedicated to her role and to serving the country to the best of her ability,” Hunter said.
“She is intelligent and has the drive to lead the Ministry with clear direction and innovation. Her wealth of knowledge and skillsets when it comes to marine resources makes her a highly valued asset to both our country and region. 

“Mindful that the tuna stocks in our region are the one natural resource that all Pacific Islanders share, it is critical that the Cook Islands, through MMR, continues to play a proactive role in ensuring the long term sustainable management of this natural resource for the benefit of future generations.”

The statement also said Maru’s first term had challenges which were compounded by the impacts of Covid-19. 

Maru began her career with MMR before moving on to a specialised regional fisheries post at the Forum Fisheries Agency based in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Heads of Ministries (HoMs) are employed under three-year term contracts. Pursuant to the Public Service Amendment Act 2009 a HoM’s employment may roll over into a second three-year term contract with the approval of Cabinet.