The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Michael Henry as the Cook Islands High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji for a three-year term.
The appointment was approved by Cabinet on 6 May and received agrément from the Government of the Republic of Fiji on 3 July 2025.
Mr Henry succeeds Mr Jim Armistead, who concluded his tenure as the Cook Islands' first resident High Commissioner to Fiji in February 2025, having established the High Commission and strengthened a modern bilateral partnership between the Cook Islands and Fiji.
A respected leader with extensive experience across the public and private sectors, Mr Henry brings more than two decades of governance, strategic leadership, international engagement and commercial experience to the role. He has served as Chair of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and has held numerous governance and directorship roles across organisations contributing to national development, infrastructure, tourism, economic growth and regional cooperation. His experience also includes representing the Cook Islands in regional and international forums on sustainable development and Pacific cooperation
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Tingika Elikana, said the appointment comes at an important moment in the Cook Islands-Fiji relationship. “In 2023, Prime Ministers Rabuka and Brown signed a five-year Development Cooperation Agreement that set out a clear agenda across trade, connectivity, labour mobility, education and climate change. We are at the halfway point, which is a critical opportunity to take stock and move more intently on delivery.
“Fiji is home to some of the Pacific’s largest private sector organisations and is a gateway to bigger trading partners, including India and other emerging markets. For a small economy like ours, this is where the opportunity lies. In Michael, we have a High Commissioner with the commercial depth and governance experience to operate confidently in Fiji’s dynamic private sector environment. He is well placed to turn the priorities we have agreed with Fiji into practical gains for Cook Islanders at home and abroad.”
Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, said the High Commission in Suva is central to the Cook Islands regional and economic engagement. “Our mission in Suva puts us close to the centre of Pacific decision-making, and gives us daily access to key regional organisations, partners and markets. With strong leadership and a capable staff complement, we are better placed to serve Cook Islanders and our regional partners. Michael’s boardroom experience and regional perspectives will be invaluable as we work with Fiji and other partners to bring greater depth to partnership and investment, and open up practical opportunities for our businesses, workers and communities.”
The Ministry congratulates High Commissioner-designate Michael Henry and wishes him every success as he prepares to represent the Cook Islands in Fiji.
For further information, please contact: [email protected]