Chairperson of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) Michael Henry is pleased to announce the appointment of Vaine Wichman to To Tatou Vai Limited (TTVL) and Donald Buchanan to the Te Aponga Uira O Tumu Te Varovaro (TAU) Board of Directors.

Mr Henry noted that the appointment of Mrs Wichman and Mr Buchanan followed CIIC’s robust corporate governance processes and protocols which were introduced almost two years ago. 

Refined by the Corporation over the last 18 months, the governance processes include the introduction of a formal policy and amendments to the CIIC and State-Owned Entity legislation. 

“As a result of the new CIIC Group Director Expression of Interest Programme (EOI), we have had over 40 new people express an interest to serve on our Boards. I’m please to confirm that both Vaine and Don were part of this pool. It is exciting to see this level of interest from people wanting to serve in a governance role on our state-owned entities and to serve Cook Islands people” said Michael Henry, chair CIIC. 

“I encourage people interested in serving on one of CIIC’s Boards, to express an interest via our website (www.ciic.gov.ck). There you will find information and resources about the CIIC Group, alternatively for more information reach out to the CIIC office, phone 29391” Mr Henry added. 

“As part of CIIC’s commitment to best practice, all directors receive a comprehensive induction, are equipped with corporate governance tools to do the job and receive regular comprehensive governance training” Mr Henry concluded.

The Cook Islands Investment Corporation Group comprises a total of 18 entities (subsidiaries, associates, state owned enterprises and crown corporate entities). To Tatou Vai Limited (TTVL) and Te Aponga Uira O Tumu Te Varovaro (TAU) are two entities within the CIIC Group. Mrs Wichman’s and Mr Buchanan’s appointments were the result of a vacancy to both the TTVL and TAU Boards upon Mrs Lesley Katoa’s resignations, following her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Te Aponga Uira.

TTVL is a statutory corporation of the Cook Islands Government. Mrs Wichman will join its existing Board members; Brian Mason (Chair), Sam Napa, Des Eggelton and Petero Okotai. TTVL was established in 2018 as the water supply utility of potable and reliable water services in Rarotonga. To Tatou Vai’s vision is to be “a community-trusted supplier of water services.” Its mission is to be the provider of a “reliable water supply that is safe to drink, improving the well-being of our Cook Islands people”. 

To Tatou Vai chair Brian Mason noted Vaine’s extensive experience across a number of boards in both the public and private sector. “This experience coupled with extensive work in government and private consultancy roles involving a range of development projects both in-country and across the region make Mrs Wichman well equipped for TTV board duties.” 

In response Mrs Wichman said “I’m excited to have been appointed to serve as a director of TTV and I look forward to the work that is ahead of us and to serving our Cook Islands people to the best of my ability.”

TAU is a statutory Corporation of the Cook Islands Government. Mr Buchanan will join the Board of Directors alongside its existing Board members; Mata Noora (Chair), Randolf George, Stuart Henry and Jessie Sword. 

A government-owned utility TAU is responsible for the generation, distribution, and retail of electricity on Rarotonga. The operations of TAU are governed by the Te Aponga Uira Act 1991 and Amendments, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) Act 1998 and Amendments. The later established the utility as a commercially operated Government Business Enterprise (GBE) to provide electricity reliably and economically to the Rarotonga community. TAU’s vision and aspiration is to be the leading energy service provider in the region.

TAU Board Chair Mata Nooroa noted Donald’s extensive working experience and shared that Mr Buchanan will be an exciting addition to the TAU Board. Mr Buchanan said “I am honoured to serve as a director and contribute to the governance of TAU”.

(Source: Cook Islands Investment Corporation/06-04-21)