Hon. Robert Wigmore- a true servant of the people
On Friday morning the Opposition Office provided the Times with the following details on Robert Wigmore.

Member for Titikaveka, Rarotonga
Member of the DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Born: 8th September 1949
Residence: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Parliamentary Services
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
2010-current LEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
2010 DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
2006-2009 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
1999 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TITIKAVEKA CONSTITUENCY
Ministerial Appointments
The 62 year old was one of the most senior members of the Democratic Party government.
The Titikaveka MP was first elected as a member of parliament in 1999 and again in 2006. During his first term in government he became a Minister of Works, Justice, Marine Resources and Agriculture.
Appointed in December 2009 as Deputy Prime Minister of the Cook Islands with the following portfolios responsible.
• Tourism Cook Islands
• Foreign Affairs & Immigration
• Agriculture
• Marine Resources
• Cook Islands Investment Corporation, Ports Authority, Airport Authority, Bank of the Cook Islands, Te Aponga Uira (Government Assets)
• Mineral & Natural Resources
• Business Trade & Investment Board
Parliament Committee Service:
Member of the following Select Committees: Law and Order SC; and the Social Services, Health, Environment SC.
Private Sector:
Owner of Wigmore Farms 40 years in operation
Owner of Wigmore Superstore 20 years in operation
A successful businessman who was well-known in agriculture circles as an exporter and supplier to the local market. Wigmore Superstore is owned and operated by Mr. Wigmore and his family. Wigmore’s Superstore is also the largest supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Vision for Future of Agriculture
Mr. Wigmore was passionate about Te One Kura Project (Revitalization of Agriculture in the Cook Islands). The project aimed to revitalise agriculture on the islands of Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu, to cater for the tourism market mainly on Rarotonga. The objectives of the project dovetailed into the Democratic Party Government’s Economic Development Strategy aimed at encouraging our people to produce and consume our own local food for a healthy lifestyle and economic growth. The project was to assist with the depopulation in the outer islands also.
Community Services
1985-1986 President of the Chamber of Commerce
1985 Current President of C.I’s Producers Federation
President of Nita Growers for 8 years
Mr. Wigmore gaves sponsorship towards youth, sports, health and education activities and general programs in the Titikaveka community.
Education:
Attended both primary and secondary schools in his home village of Titikaveka.
Personal:
Mr. Wigmore married Tuaine Wigmore. They have 8 children - two boys and six girls.

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