New Cook Islands research policy may assist others

Members of the Research Committee and Research Working Committee.

Diane Puna with PM Jim Marurai and Mau Wichman Tou.

The research policy that has been developed by government with assistance from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, could serve as a model for other Pacific nations according to Mau Wichman Tou who is here from NZ to help our government and stakeholders put the new policy into practice.
Last Wednesday, the Cook Islands Research Committee and the Research Working Committee came together at the Marine Resources Training centre in Avatiu to hear a presentation by Mau Tou on the new research policy and procedure. Tou had already spent Monday and Tuesday with members of the Working Committee and interested parties such as traditional leaders, NZAid and CIANGO.
In a nutshell, the purpose of the research policy is to safeguard the interests of the Cook Islands people and their unique resources.
The policy adheres to six main principles. Briefly, theses are; all research to be subject to local laws including international obligations, researchers must communicate with and abide by the procedures set down, a research manager will oversee operational processes, all approved researchers must abide by and comply with the set requirements, the Research Council is to act as facilitator between all parties and the Research Council will facilitate researcher’s concerns and appeals, take any enforcement action necessary and be an advocate for government’s and stakeholder’s interests.
Properly cementing the policy and procedures into place won’t happen overnight. It will be a gradual process taking up to five years. Building up local capacity and expertise to competently administer the policy should be achieved within ten years.

- Charles Pitt

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