Mr Brian Mason has officially commenced as Solicitor General for the Cook Islands, taking up the role on 1 July 2026. The commencement was marked by an official service of recital hosted by the King’s Representative yesterday. Public Service Commissioner Mr Carl Hunter confirmed the appointment, which followed a competitive and merit-based recruitment process led by the Office of the Public Service Commissioner under instruction from Attorney-General, the Prime Minister.
As Solicitor General, Mr Mason now leads Te Akinanga o te Ture, the Cook Islands Crown Law Office, as principal legal advisor to the Government. The role reports to the Attorney-General and works directly in support of the King’s Representative, Prime Minister, Cabinet, the Ombudsman and Heads of Agencies providing legal advice across constitutional, commercial, public and criminal law, and overseeing Crown prosecutions, civil litigation, and the legislative drafting process.
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter said the appointment marks an important step for the Crown Law Office and for the wider public service.
“Mr Mason brings more than 35 years of legal experience, including 21 years in private practice in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. He is admitted as a Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and of the Cook Islands, and has practised across civil, land, trust, commercial, constitutional, criminal and public law.”
“Importantly, his experience is grounded in the Cook Islands. He has served previously in the Office of the Prime Minister as Assistant Chief of Staff, led the Cook Islands Investment Corporation as Chief Executive, and held senior leadership positions in the local financial services sector over many years. That depth of local knowledge combined with strong governance and commercial law experience gives him a clear understanding of the responsibilities that come with this role.”
The Solicitor General reports directly to the Attorney-General and, in the discharge of legal advice to Government, works closely with the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister and Attorney-General Hon. Mark Brown welcomed the appointment.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr Mason into this role. The Crown Law Office plays a vital part in protecting the rule of law, supporting good governance, and ensuring that the laws we make and the decisions we take stand on solid legal ground. Sound, independent legal advice is fundamental to the work of Government, and to public confidence in it.”
“The Solicitor General is one of the most important positions in the service of the public. It is a role that demands independence, sound judgement, and the ability to advise without fear or favour.”
“Mr Mason brings to the role a strong combination of private practice experience, senior public sector experience, and deep commercial and constitutional law knowledge. His long-standing connection to the Cook Islands, including through his family means he understands our community, our culture, and the context in which our Government operates.”
“I look forward to working closely with Mr Mason as Solicitor General, alongside the Public Service Commissioner and the wider leadership of our public service, as we continue to deliver for the people of the Cook Islands.”
Mr Mason said he was honoured to take on the role.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility, and I thank the Public Service Commissioner, the Selection Panel, and the Prime Minister for the confidence they have placed in me. The Crown Law Office has a capable team and a clear mandate. I look forward to supporting that team, and to working with the Attorney-General, the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Heads of Agencies to provide the highest standard of legal advice and representation for the Government and the people of the Cook Islands.”
The Public Service Commissioner extended his appreciation to the Selection Panel for its work, and to all candidates who applied for the role.
