Cath Kara call in
By Shona Pitt

Former Head of the Cook Islands Financial Intelligence Unit Cath Kara arrived back in Rarotonga this past week.
Kara, who held the post for the past five years, said that she was back “to tidy up the office” and to answer some questions for the Audit Department.
“I am back to do some office housekeeping and tidying up to ensure a smooth transition for the next HOD,” she said.
Kara was originally contracted as a Technical Assistant by NZAID on a one year project to establish the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Kara said the main objective of establishing the office was due to the Cook Islands being on the “Black List”.
During her five years at the job Kara has established an office that meets International Standards and is a member of the EGMONT Group. She has been instrumental in removing the Cook Islands off the “Black List”.
Kara is now based in Wellington and has established her own company. Kara said she does contract work for organisations like the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
WORK
Her main work is in assisting with the development of Financial Intelligence Units in other countries. Her work she said takes her to places like Nigeria, Vietnam and some Pacific Islands, including Niue.
Kara said she will still be popping into the Cooks now and then as she still has a working relationship with the Cook Islands Unit.
“Even though the Cooks are off the List they must be aware that their position will be reassessed within the next 18 months,” Kara said.
“So, they need to keep going forward to not weaken the system already in place.”
Bob Williams has replaced Kara and is Acting Head as the position has yet to be advertised.

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