As previously reported, on August 15, Rarotonga faced an unexpected electricity outage, attributed to a workplace accident involving four staff members, working to test recent repairs on the cross-island cable. The accident occurred in challenging terrain, resulting in injuries to the workers.

Today’s Cook Islands News contained a number of inaccurate statements, including the false and defamatory allegations as to a “cover up” and referencing  – inaccurately – an internal staff email. sent out on 23 October 2024.

The text of the email reads as follows:

‘As many of you may have seen, the article in today’s newspaper (also shared on Facebook) covers the cross-island accident. I want to assure all staff that we are thoroughly investigating this accident and are prioritising the well-being of those affected. While this process takes time, we are committed to examining every aspect of the accident and implementing measures to minimise the chances of a recurrence. We are also drafting an official response to the article and will remind everyone that there is one point of contact for communications with the public, so please refrain from discussing this matter outside of TAU.’

This messaging was aimed at assuring all staff; it is an internal communication. Quite obviously with three different investigations underway, it is important that all communications are factual, and are not of a sort to prejudge or to influence those investigations. Any well run organisation would take care to ensure that there was a single, clearly identified, channel for communications with the public and media

Chief Executive Officer of TAU, Lesley Katoa, emphasizes that the health, well-being, and privacy of the affected employees has at all times been one of the organization’s top priorities throughout the investigation. In authorising wider publication of the text of the email, Ms Katoa explains “We appreciate the public interest in this matter and ask that TAU be allowed to undertake the necessary processes which will help us to do better.”

Te Aponga’s commissioned, external, review of its own internal investigation of the accident is nearing completion. Katoa noted that thoroughness is essential, requiring time for all relevant personnel to provide their accounts and for a comprehensive examination of the technical actions that contributed to the accident. “We have already begun implementing many of the recommendations from the preliminary internal investigation,” she advises; external review is expected to make further recommendations.

Following the accident, TAU also reported it both to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and to the Electrical Inspector.

Katoa reaffirms TAU’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for both employees and customers, as part of its core function of delivering reliable electricity to homes and businesses across the island.

END.