The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) advises that the Code of Conduct investigation into the Executive Officer (EO) for the Rakahanga Island Administration, Mr Toka Hagai, has now concluded.
The investigation was commissioned by OPM in September 2025 under the Cook Islands Government Code of Conduct Policy 2018, following recommendations arising from an earlier Internal Audit and subsequent Public Expenditure Review Committee (PERC) report. The process was undertaken by an independent investigator, Mr Russell Thomas, to ensure procedural fairness and compliance with Cook Islands Government employment policies.
The investigation examined matters relating to the compliance of Mr Hagai with relevant Cook Islands Government legislation and policies, as well as the responsibilities and expectations of the role of Executive Officer, under both the terms and conditions of Mr Hagai’s Employment Contract and the Code of Conduct Policy 2018.
As per the Investigation Report provided to the Office of the Prime Minister, the investigator confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to conclude that serious misconduct had occurred during the period examined, and that removal or resignation from office would be an appropriate course of action. Mr Hagai tendered his resignation on 8 October 2025, which has been accepted by the Chief of Staff.
Chief of Staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko said OPM took a responsible, fair, and evidence-based approach to managing this matter.
“As a responsible employer, the Office of the Prime Minister has followed due process and applied the highest standards of procedural fairness and accountability,” Karopaerangi said. “This investigation has strengthened our collective commitment to integrity in public service and the need for stronger performance management and governance systems across all Island Administrations.”
“Our public service values of honesty, impartiality, accountability, and respect, are the foundation of how we serve. These values apply not only to our public servants in the discharge of their duties, but to the agencies that employ them as well. Values-based leadership is important to me as Chief of Staff, and ensuring we ran a robust, impartial and fair process was critical as relates to the Code of Conduct investigation into the performance of Mr Hagai as EO. I thank the investigator Mr Russell Thomas, His Worship Mayor Taunga Tuteru and the Rakahanga Island Administration, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Office of the Public Service Commissioner and Crown Law for their collaboration and advice throughout this process.”
Building on the findings of this investigation, the Office of the Prime Minister will work with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management to strengthen oversight and compliance mechanisms for all Island Administrations. This includes:
- Reviewing the Island Government Act 2012–13 and attendant policies, to clarify and reinforce Executive Officer performance management and accountability frameworks;
- Reviewing existing guidance and support to Island Administrations to lift compliance with financial management and governance standards; and
- Strengthening administrative support and oversight of Executive Officers through closer collaboration between OPM, OPSC and MFEM.
