High Commission — Wellington

The High Commission represents the Cook Islands Government in New Zealand, our closest partner and constitutional partner in free association. Wellington is also home to many of our diplomatic partners, and the post is the Cook Islands’ main point of contact with the diplomatic missions based there. With New Zealand home to the largest Cook Islands community in the world, the post links our Government with partners and with Cook Islanders living in New Zealand.

What we do

• Government relations: advance the Cook Islands–New Zealand relationship through engagement with Ministers, officials and Parliament, and support high-level visits and dialogue.
• Diplomatic network: maintain relationships with diplomatic missions in Wellington, many of which are also accredited to the Cook Islands and support their engagement with the Cook Islands Government.
• Community engagement: support Cook Islands communities, churches and associations across New Zealand, champion the issues that matter to Cook Islanders living there, and strengthen the bonds between home and the diaspora so that all Cook Islanders can contribute to our nation’s future.
• Māori relations: strengthen relationships with iwi and Māori organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand, building on our shared whakapapa to grow cultural, economic and people-to-people ties.
• Services and information: contact the High Commission for information about Cook Islands Status and services for Cook Islanders in New Zealand.
• Promoting the Cook Islands: support trade, tourism, education and cultural links between our two countries.

Staff

• H.E. Ms Kairangi Samuela, High Commissioner
• Ms Amelia Fukofuka-Murare, Deputy High Commissioner
• Ms Ria Arthur, First Secretary
• Ms Maire Bresaz-Underhill