The Cook Islands Public Service Commission has officially announced the appointment of Elizabeth Wright-Koteka as Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), with her start date set for March 1, 2026. Until she takes over the position, Joshua Mitchell will continue serving as the Acting Secretary for MFAI.
Wright-Koteka brings an impressive track record to her new role, boasting over 30 years of experience in public service and leadership. Currently serving as the Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), she has successfully led transformative initiatives that have markedly improved the ministry’s performance and project outcomes.
Her distinguished career includes significant contributions such as her tenure as High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to New Zealand from 2018 to 2022, where she played a critical role in strengthening bilateral relations and advocating for Cook Islands interests at the highest levels of diplomacy. Additionally, she served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2017, overseeing vital areas such as national policy, planning, ICT, climate change, and emergency management. Wright-Koteka has also engaged in extensive consultancy work, focusing on national policies and development projects, including facilitating the Cook Islands’ accreditation to the Green Climate Fund.
Following a comprehensive recruitment process led by the office of the Public Service Commissioner, she emerged as the top candidate, receiving unanimous support from the Selection Panel for her strategic vision and proven leadership capabilities.
In her forthcoming role, Wright-Koteka will prioritize several key initiatives, including enhancing bilateral relations with New Zealand to tackle current challenges, developing a modern foreign policy framework that aligns with both national and global priorities, and strengthening immigration services to bolster border security and economic prosperity. Furthermore, she aims to build capacity within MFAI to cultivate a professional and high-performing diplomatic team.
Wright-Koteka’s vast experience and clear commitment to her new role bode well for the future of Cook Islands foreign relations and immigration policies, promising a professional direction that could lead to improved outcomes for the nation and its people.
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