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History of the Office

So what is an Ombudsman?

An Ombudsman is an independent official who represents the interests of the public by investigating and addressing complaints reported by individual citizens.

The modern meaning arose from its use in Sweden, with the Parliamentary Ombudsman instituted in 1809 to look after citizens’ interests in their dealings with government.

The word Ombudsman is not gender specific and derives from the Old Norse word umbudsman, meaning representative.

Ombudsmen in the Cook Islands

The first Cook Islands Ombudsman was appointed in 1985 under the Ombudsman Act 1984. 

The following persons were appointed Ombudsman since the establishment of the office.

1.  Mr. Tangata Simiona             1985     -     1992

2.  Mr. Henry Brown                   1992     -     1999

3.  Mr. Andrew Turua                  2000     -     2006

4.  Ms Janet Maki                      2006     -     Current. 

Extensions to the Ombudsman's jurisdiction

When the office was first established by way of the Ombudsman Act 1984, the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction was limited to investigating complaints about central government departments and organisations under Part 1 and 2 in the Schedule of that Act. In 2007, the Ombudsman (New Schedule) Order came into force updating the Schedule.  

In November 2007, Cabinet by way of CM(07)694 appointed the current Ombudsman to “be in charge of the Cook Islands Human Rights Office”.  This has been interpreted to mean that Cabinet has issued a directive for the Ombudsman to set up a Human Rights division within the Ombudsman Office.       

In February 2008, the Official Information Act was passed and came into force on 11 February 2009.  Under this Act, the Ombudsman was given the function of investigating and reviewing complaints about decisions made by Ministers of the Crown and government departments and agencies (including local government) on requests for official information.

In June 2008, the Cook Islands Disability Act came into force. Under this Act, again the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction was extended to investigate complaints against any person (whether public or private sector), of discrimination against the disabled.

Changes in office location

In January 2007, the current Ombudsman relocated the Office from the Ngati-Uritaua Building in Avatiu to a new government office in downtown Avarua.

In September 2008, the office of the Ombudsman was completely destroyed by fire as a result of a fire in an adjoining government office and relocated to the 1^st Floor of Ingram House, Avatiu, Rarotonga where it is situated today. 

 

To provide a service to the public that is targeted towards ensuring, enhancing and edifying "Good Governance"-

• Through the investigation of complaints relating to matters of government administration received from members of the public
• Where evidence of corruption or suspected criminal activity is found, to refer such matters to the relevant law enforcement agencies
• Where evidence of maladministration is found, provide recommendations that will resolve or address deficiencies

Our offices are located in Avatiu just across the road from the Punaganui Market Place. We are housed on the 2nd floor of Ingram House. Our office is open from 8am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.