The Cook Islands Public Service Commission has announced Elizabeth Wright-Koteka’s appointment as Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), effective 1 March 2026.
Until Wright-Koteka assumes her new MFAI HOM role on 1 March 2026, Joshua Mitchell will remain Acting Secretary for MFAl.
Wright-Koteka brings over 30 years of experience in public service and leadership, including senior roles in policy development, diplomacy, and infrastructure management. She currently serves as Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), where she has successfully led a major turnaround of the Ministry, delivering improved performance and project outcomes.
Her distinguished career includes:
• High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to New Zealand (2018-2022), where she strengthened bilateral relations and represented Cook Islands interests at the highest diplomatic level.
• Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister (2012-2017), overseeing national policy, planning, ICT, climate change, and emergency management.
• Extensive consultancy work on national policies, climate change programs, and development projects, including accreditation of the Cook Islands to the Green Climate Fund.
Following a rigorous recruitment process led by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner, Wright-Koteka achieved the highest score among all shortlisted candidates, earning unanimous recommendation from the Selection Panel.
She was commended for her strategic vision, proven leadership, and ability to navigate complex national and international priorities.
In her new role, Wright-Koteka will focus on:
• Rebuilding and enhancing bilateral relations with New Zealand, addressing current challenges and fostering mutual trust.
• Developing a modern foreign policy framework aligned with national priorities and global opportunities.
• Strengthening immigration services to support border security and economic prosperity, while improving service delivery for Cook Islanders and their families.
• Building capacity within MFAl, ensuring a professional and high-performing diplomatic corps.
