Cook Islands deputy PM out of parliament

THE Cook Islands’ deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau has been removed from parliament.

Mr Tapaitau, former National Environment Service director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands, Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of “all or most offences” following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.

In his ruling CJ Keane said: “In my decision... I have found each defendant guilty of all or most of the offences with which they are charged, and have convicted them of those offences.”

The trio were accused of taking public funds amounting to $70,000 between April 2019 and March 2021.

In a written statement last week, Mr Tapaitau’s office said the Prime Minister had been briefed by the Solicitor-General on the decision.

At the time, the government declined to comment further, saying it would take time to review the 100page judgement.

On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the Tongareva (Penrhyn Island) seat was now vacant and a by-election would be held within 60 days of the vacancy occurring.

“Over the coming days, I will advise on the appointment of a new Minister to Cabinet after discussions with my caucus colleagues.”

He said they accept and would abide by the court’s decision.

“This case has demonstrated the integrity of our judicial process.

“No person is above the law; our system of checks and balances has not been compromised; and if you are found to be in breach of the law, you will be held to account.”

Mr Tapaitau was first suspended in 2022 when the charges were laid, but was reinstated by the Brown and successfully re-elected as Tongareva MP before being suspended again during his trial in July 2023.