Group aims to reverse depopulation
By Charles Pitt

Developer Tim Tepaki has announced the names of those who will be heading Tepaki Group’s various Cook Islands operations.
Tepaki is on a mission to reverse the depopulation trend and believes he now has the right recipe for achieving that. Underpinning the vision is having a strong management structure and team.
Tepaki said he was now pleased with progress and the time had come for him to step back and let his CEOs and section heads take responsibility for their areas.
He did not want the public to see the Group as just being all about Tim Tepaki. “It’s time for them to stand up and be counted,” said Tepaki.
# Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE is Chairman of the Board of Tepaki Group and also responsible for media management.
# The Kia Orana Group which will be responsible for hotel management and security is headed by CEO Helen Wong. The Security Division is run by Tutu Ina and Thomas Tepaki. They will oversee security at Vaimaanga and at other establishments under the Group.
# The Kia Manuia Group is the holding group which will hold properties developed and is headed by CEO and former Health head of ministry Vaine Teokotai.
# Tepaki’s number two for Development is Damien Beddoes who will work closely with Grant Berkinshaw and Martin Sparhawk in New Zealand.
# Local lawyer Charles Petero heads Acquisitions.
# Construction Project Manager is John Short.
# Dr Robert Woonton heads the Private Hospital project.
# Maire Browne is Tepaki group’s first Trainee. She graduated last year from Sydney University, majoring in Sociology and Gender Media issues. She returned to Rarotonga recently.
The Kia Orana Group will shortly have four local hotels under its wing. Manea Beach has been acquired and on 9 December another will join the fold. Two other hotels are undergoing due diligence.
“Kia Orana” stands for a brand of commodities and service. Establishments will have an upgraded sewerage system and a Cook Islands face.
The Group also plans smaller establishments of around 30 units on Pukapuka, Mauke, Mitiaro and Manihiki. These will be of pre-cut construction, cutting construction time to 3 months and will have a bar and restaurant. The local community will have joint ownership ensuring funding to develop their harbours and airports.
Tepaki says the best is out there. “Get the tourists to the outer islands and you’ll make money.”

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