The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) has resigned after about a decade in the role, a surprise decision that comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
Tepaeru Herrmann, who was appointed the Secretary of MFAI in October 2015, will be stepping down from her role next month.
Her resignation was confirmed by Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter, who said Herrmann has decided to “pursue her other interests” and is stepping down from the role in the first week of October 2025.
Cook Islands News approached the Office of the Public Service Commissioner in July for confirmation on whether Herrmann was stepping down, after reports of her intention to resign had surfaced.
On Monday local time (Tuesday NZT), the newspaper asked PSC Hunter and Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana if Herrmann’s resignation was related to the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments over the agreements the country had signed with China in February of this year.
Herrmann is believed to be among the senior Cook Islands officials who have been meeting with their New Zealand counterparts to restore mutual trust and clarify shared expectations following a public fallout between the two governments.
The diplomatic rift between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, resulting from the agreements the Cooks signed with China, has led to Wellington halting NZ$18.2 million (US$10.66 million) in funding to the Cook Islands.
Herrmann, who was reappointed to the top job in September last year for a consecutive fourth term, was responsible for delivering on the government’s priorities relating to foreign policy, international trade policy and immigration policy, as well as contributing to the Cook Islands’ broader security, economic, ocean and environmental objectives.
She was also responsible for leading and managing the operations of the Ministry across headquarters in Rarotonga, diplomatic missions in Wellington and Suva, a Consulate in Auckland, and Ambassadors based in France and the UK.
In a statement, Hunter acknowledged Herrmann’s extensive and notable career dedicated to serving the people of the Cook Islands.
He stated that her professional service over her three terms as Secretary is a demonstration of her unwavering commitment to enhancing the performance of MFAI and serving the Government and the people of the Cook Islands.
“This has been reflected in her merit-based approach to recruitment, by employing some of the most dedicated and passionate employees who are committed Public servants and are the result of the Government’s investment in developing transformative leadership.”
Hunter said Herrmann is a distinguished diplomat and leader in public service.
“With a career spanning twenty-five years in the Cook Islands Public Sector, she has demonstrated expertise in managing international relations, balancing diverse interests, and advocating effectively for the Cook Islands.
“Her significant achievements include strengthening and elevating the country’s international influence and standing, developing a modern Immigration framework with regional benchmarks, and enhancing the capacity of MFAI to attract new investments in finance, technology, security, and infrastructure from international partners.
“These accomplishments have been particularly notable during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the challenges of ODA (Official Development Assistance) graduation. Additionally, MFAI secured the Chair position for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) and hosted the 52nd PIFLM, leaving a legacy of leadership and regional contribution.”
Herrmann’s leadership also significantly influenced her team’s development, Hunter added.
“As Philippians 2:4 advises, ‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others’, Herrmann’s career has been marked by dedication, professionalism and sacrifice in service to the Cook Islands,” said Commissioner Hunter. “While we farewell her with sadness, we also extend our gratitude for her immense contributions and wish her every success in the future.”
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner said that the appointment of the acting Secretary will be determined closer to the time (next month).
“The Secretary role will be advertised this week, and we are committed to conducting a robust and efficient recruitment process for this vital role, to ensure a successful outcome,” Hunter said.
