Our purpose
Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, represents the Cook Islands’ interests regionally and internationally, and runs the national immigration service.
The Cook Islands is self-governing in free association with New Zealand and exercises full responsibility over its foreign affairs and immigration, in the spirit of the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration.
The Ministry leads the Cook Islands diplomatic network, mandates representatives to speak with authority in the international arena, and advises the Government on how regional and global events affect the country.
Our vision
A safe and prosperous Cook Islands through exceptional Immigration services and a capable and empowered foreign service.
Our mission
Provide strong leadership in advancing and safeguarding the Cook Islands’ national interests through innovative service delivery, a responsive and efficient immigration system, proactive diplomacy, and greater national awareness.
Our values
The Ministry works under the Public Service Act 2009 and the Public Service Commission’s Code of Conduct of August 2018.
Taokotai Unity
We work together across teams, sectors and borders, fostering collaboration and shared purpose in pursuit of national goals.
Te angaanga kapiti i rotopu ia i te au pupu angaanga, te au tuanga, e te au pa enua i vao mai, kia taokotai i te umu’umu’anga i te au akakoroanga o te Ipukarea.
Te inangaro i te Ipukarea Patriotism
We serve with pride and dedication, placing the wellbeing and advancement of the Cook Islands at the heart of everything we do.
Ka tavini matou ma te akatietie e te akapapu’anga, ma te tuku i te ora’anga meitaki e te tupuranga o te Ipukarea ei mua ua rai i ta matou e rave nei.
Te tiratiratu Loyalty
We demonstrate commitment and integrity in our service to the Government, the people of the Cook Islands, and the principles of our Constitution.
Ka aka’ari matou i te akapapuanga i te tu tau i roto i ta matou tavinianga ki te Kavamani e te iti tangata Kuki Airani, e te Ture Metua e te Mana.
Te raveinga ngaio Professionalism
We uphold the highest standards of conduct, competence and respect in all aspects of our work: internally, domestically and internationally.
Ka rave matou i akara’anga teitei roa atu, te rave’anga tau e te akangateitei i roto i ta matou angaanga ravarai, i roto i te ngai angaanga, i roto i te Ipukarea, e i te pa enua i vao mai.
Every officer of the Ministry also upholds the values of the Cook Islands Public Service: honesty, impartiality, service, transparency, accountability, respect, and efficiency and effectiveness.
Our legal mandate
Legislation that mandates the Ministry
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Act 1984
- Cook Islands Immigration Act 2021, Cook Islands Immigration Amendment Act 2004, and Cook Islands Immigration Amendment Act (No. 2) 2024
- Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1968
- Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Act 2002, and Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols Amendment Act 2011
- Consular Privileges and Immunities Act 1971
Legislation the Ministry is guided by
- Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Act 1995-96
- Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit Act 1995-96
- Public Service Act 2009
Legislation the Ministry administers
- Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2007
- Chemical Weapons (Prohibition) Act 2007
- Nuclear-Test-Ban Act 2007
- United Nations (Security Council Resolutions) Act 2003
- Cook Islands Red Cross Society Act 2002
- Visiting Forces Act 1992-93
- New Zealand Representative Act 1980
The Ministry’s work is anchored in the National Sustainable Development Agenda (NSDA) 2020+, and informed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Our strategic pillars
Te Paruru Tiratiratu Security
Protecting and promoting the national security of the Cook Islands.
Paruru ma te turu i te au maru o te Ipukarea.
Tupuranga Ruperupe Prosperity
Pursuing opportunities for economic and social prosperity through sustainable development.
Tatari i te au ravenga kia puapinga te oraanga tangata na roto i te akono anga tau i te aorangi ei tupau tuatau.
Rangatira Tutara Leadership
Proactively contributing to domestic and international policy formulation, decision making and implementation, to advance and protect the Cook Islands’ interests.
Arataki i te au kaveinga e te akanoonoo’anga o te Ipukarea ma te ao katoa, ei tiaki i te mana e te umuumu’anga o te iti tangata.
Tu Karape Kama’atu Innovation
Advancing national priorities through innovative approaches to domestic and international challenges and opportunities.
Akatupu’anga i te au ravenga karape kama’atu ei akatinamou i te anoano o te Ipukarea na roto i te au turanga tau e te ngata, i roto nei i te basileia e teia nei ao katoa.
The outcomes under each pillar, and the Ministry’s direction to 2030, are set out in the Statement of Strategic Intentions 2026–2030.
Our structure and network
The Ministry is headquartered in Rarotonga. Its six units are structured around three core functions: policy development, regulatory oversight and corporate services.
- Office of the Secretary
- Immigration
- Pacific Regional Affairs
- International Affairs and Trade
- Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans
- Capability and Service Delivery
Our network abroad
- Overseas missions. High Commissions in Wellington, New Zealand, with a representative office in Auckland, and in Suva, Fiji.
- Diplomatic representation. To the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in Paris, and to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
- Honorary consuls. Seven, listed under Honorary Consuls.
The Ministry has 44 staff, 34 in the Cook Islands and 10 offshore.
Working across government
Most of what the Ministry does depends on other agencies. It leads or supports the lead agency depending on the issue, and technical experts from across government join Cook Islands delegations to international meetings.
The Ministry chairs the Joint Ministerial Forum Working Group and the Combined Border Agencies Taskforce, and co-chairs the Cook Islands National Trade Development Committee.