Rongo appointment upsets Mauke residents

The Prime Minister and his Cabinet have caused ripples from Rarotonga to Mauke with the recent appointment of Teariki Rongo as the new Island Secretary. Rongo, a Rarotonga-based consultant, got the nod from the Cabinet although he was not the first choice as recommended by the Job Selection Panel. It had been reported over a month ago that Steve Barrett was the top choice for the job. Barrett was serving as Acting-Island Secretary after taking over from Tai Tura last year. Tura is now the MP of Mauke.
Residents on Mauke are now upset over the choice because of the good progress and results that Barrett has achieved since he took over. The government has ignored those good works in favour of Rongo, who was the second choice on the recommendation list. However, that has not stopped the people from lodging their objections, which have been given to the Prime Minister in the form of a signed petition. Rongo could not be contacted for comment but it is understood the consultant is due to resign from his position as coordinator for the Community Initiative Scheme, this week. Rongo asked the Public Service Commissioner if he could continue his consultancy work on Rarotonga while still the Island Secretary – but was turned down.

Herald Issue 554 09 March
- Norm exposes Trio of Doom
- Briefs from PM’s media conference Tuesday
- Tourism Industry ponders $5 million draft strategy
- Norman George resigns from Cook Islands Party
- Letter of Resignation from CIP
- Norman selfish says Prime Minister