Barrett a consummate professional: PM

Prime minister Jim Marurai has sent a letter of condolence to the New Zealand government following the passing of its high commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tia Barrett.

While Marurai is currently in Rome attending the World Summit on Food Security, he was described as deeply saddened by the news of Barrett’s passing on Saturday.

On Sunday Marurai sent the letter of condolence to New Zealand minister of foreign affairs Murray McCully asking him to accept his sincerest condolences on behalf of cabinet and government.

“I know many Cook Islanders also join me in saying that Tia will be dearly missed by us all. The high commissioner was a terrific asset to the government of New Zealand, and to the strengthening of our relationship, throughout the short time of his accreditation to the Cook Islands.

“Tia was the consummate professional and a real joy to work with as he had his own way of bringing ease and sensibility to his role. We treasured his friendship and cannot express enough how much of a hole he leaves in our hearts,” wrote Marurai.

The PM asked McCully to convey the Cook Islands government’s prayers and thoughts to Tia’s wife Theresa and family, and all those that knew him, particularly New Zealand prime minister John Key and the NZ parliamentarians.

According to Marurai’s executive advisor Trevor Pitt, Barrett’s condition was on the PM’s mind during his travel to Rome last week and the sad news was very hard to take.

“Tia was a good friend in whom the PM had developed a very comfortable and close working relationship. The ties and talks with the high commissioner were conducted on a unique level of relations where Tia was afforded complete access to discuss any issues of importance and where the PM welcomed Tia’s input.

“Open consultation was a key part of the relations with Tia, which began well before he actually became high commissioner. The PM got on well with Tia back in 2007 when the PM and his delegation established a close working bond during a visit to French Polynesia [Barrett was travelling with the Maori King at the time].

“His passing is a shock and a great loss to the positive achievements over the brief time he was high commissioner,” said Pitt yesterday.