Tiki Matapo new High Commissioner to NZ

At the Cook Islands Party conference on Friday morning at the AOG Church Hall in Takuvaine, Prime Minister and Party Leader Hon Henry Puna announced that Tiki Matapo had been appointed High Commissioner to New Zealand.
He is to take up his position before 15 August when the PM will be in NZ to meet with NZ PM John Key.
A former Cabinet Minister (Minister of Justice), Policeman, top sportsman and President of CISNOC, Matapo’s choice as High Commissioner is a natural progression for a man who has distinguished himself especially on the sports field, in sports administration and latterly as a Justice of the Peace. He has the manner and bearing to excel as our representative in NZ with whom we have the most important of all our international relationships.
Matapo’s sporting achievements have been well documented and in 2009 culminated in him being inducted into the Cook Islands Sports Hall of Fame.
From 2000 to 2008 he was President of CISNOC.
Matapo was an all round sportsman who excelled in both track and field events in athletics. He was also an excellent rugby player and also played cricket and tennis.
He represented the Cook Islands at the South Pacific Games in athletics and rugby.
The Times congratulates him on his appointment and wishes him and his wife well for the future. -Charles Pitt

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