The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce the reactivation of the Cook Islands Law Commission, an institution established under the Law Commission Act 2007 to promote the systematic review, reform, and development of Cook Islands law. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that our legal framework is modern, fit for purpose, and reflects the evolving needs of our nation.
The Law Commission had been inactive since 2012 but was formally reconstituted in October 2025 through appointments made by the Executive Council. The appointments were based on the nominations of the Attorney-General, in consultation with the Chief Justice and the President of the Cook Islands Law Society. The Commission is now chaired by Mr Isaac Hikaka, with Ms Janet Maki and Mr Henry Puna serving as Commissioners.
The Commissioners bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to their roles. Mr Hikaka, a New Zealand Māori barrister, has extensive expertise in constitutional, electoral and private law and has served as a special advisor to the Cook Islands Crown Law Office. Ms Maki, a Justice of the Peace serving mainly on the Land Court and former Solicitor General and Ombudsman, brings deep knowledge of Cook Islands law and community perspectives from the southern Pa Enua. Mr Puna, the former Prime Minister and Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum, contributes perspectives from the northern Pa Enua, as well as decades of distinguished public service and expertise in law, governance, diplomacy, and Pacific affairs.
The Commission’s mandate includes reviewing laws systematically, recommending reforms, and advising on ways to make Cook Islands law more understandable and accessible. The Commission has identified three priority areas for review in the first half of 2026:
- Cook Islands Amendment Act 1915 – Considering a proposed amendment to section 358, to address return of land taken for public purposes where the land is no longer required for those purposes.
- Privacy – Reviewing privacy law in the Cook Islands, including the current basis for privacy law, and whether a statutory framework for privacy law would be appropriate and, if so, the appropriate structure for privacy statutes.
- Electoral Reform – A review of electoral law in the Cook Islands, including the Electoral Act 2004, and identifying what, if any, changes ought to be made to electoral law. The review will have a particular emphasis on improved efficiency regarding electoral petitions to promote a timely sitting of Parliament following an election.
The Law Commission will invite public input on these matters. The Law Commission welcomes suggestions for additional areas for review. Submissions can be sent to the Law Commission Secretariat at elizaveta.ristroph@lawcommission.gov.ck. The Commission will also be launching a Facebook page at “Cook Islands Law Commission” to facilitate engagement, with a website to follow.
The reactivation of the Law Commission underscores the Cook Islands Government’s commitment to modernising our legal framework and ensuring it serves the best interests of our people.
