The new secretary for the Ministry of Corrective Services has identified that having correctional facilities that are well equipped and fit-for-purpose both for inmates and for staff to effectively manage populations is a key task that he wants to deliver on.

Solomona Tuaati, who retired from the Cook Islands Police Services, last year, has been appointed as the secretary for the Ministry of Corrective Services (MOCS) and he is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the ministry’s mission.

And for his first term, he says he will focus on reinforcing the ‘basics of the key  roles of MOCS’ this includes a commitment to strengthening Custody and Security, Rehabilitation and  Reintegration, Community Safety and other related roles.” 

In a statement, the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) said that Tuaati has served 42 years of continuous service with the Cook Islands Police Service.

OPSC says that having applied for the position when it was advertised, Tuaati will take over the reins from former secretary and now Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph.

Retiring in April 2024, he has been consulting with the Police Advisory Group since its inception.

And with a strong background in Law Enforcement, including having completed a Senior Executive Leadership course with the Australian Institute of Police Management, Tuaati acknowledges that MOCS plays a multi-faceted role in the justice system, primarily focused on the custody and rehabilitation of offenders, while also aiming to improve community safety and reduce recidivism.

Tuaati has an ambitious programme that he wants to pursue in his first term.

 “Having appropriate programmes to help offenders address the underlying causes of their behaviour and  develop skills necessary for successful reintegration into society like education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counselling is vital for MOCS," Tuaati said.

He also reiterated the importance of the support of the community in effectively rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders into the community to reduce recidivism and improve community safety.

He stressed that for the ministry to succeed, they will have to build on current partnerships with other government agencies, community organisations and volunteers to help offenders and their families.

He added “… providing staff with ongoing training and leadership development opportunities to effectively perform their duties, to grow professionally and maintain safety standards is a given” Tuaati said. 

Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter states that the role of secretary is to deliver on the Government’s priorities to improve and maintain public safety through the effective management of Prison and Probation Services and the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. 

Hunter said, “Tuaati’s long service in the Cook Islands Police Service demonstrates his comprehensive experience and expertise in the law and order sector.

“Tuaati will be responsible for leading the work programmes of the MOCS to provide safe and secure environments for inmates, offering rehabilitation programmes and interventions and facilitating successful reintegration into the community.

Commissioner Hunter confirmed his confidence in the proactive approach that Tuaati pledges to take as well as his strong interpersonal skills that will make a positive contribution to the success of MOCS.

Heads of Ministries (HoM) are employed under a three-year term contract, and pursuant to the Public Service Amendment Act 2009. Following the completion of a second term (six years) and every three years thereafter, the role will be advertised, and incumbents can re-apply as part of the normal recruitment process.