The Mangaia Island Government election for the position of mayor has been set for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, as announced by chief electoral officer, Taggy Tangimetua.

Mangaia’s previous mayor Ngateina Rani announced his resignation last month, just seven months after receiving his official warrant. Rani is pursuing a new opportunity in the Northern Cook Islands Battery Replacement Project.

Nominations for the Mangaia mayor candidates will close at 12 noon, next week on Thursday, May 8, and must be submitted to the chief executive officer on Mangaia, or to the chief electoral officer on Rarotonga.

The main roll closed yesterday at 4pm, May 1, and the supplementary roll will close next week on Thursday, May 8.

According to Tangimetua, applications for advance voting must be submitted to the chief executive officer on Mangaia who is also the returning officer of the constituency, no earlier than three working days after nomination day, and no later than the day before polling day.

Postal voting is not permitted in Island Government elections.

The 2024 Island Government Election was held on August 15, for the islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Pukapuka and Nassau, Penrhyn and Rakahanga.

Mangaia, the second largest constituency with 321 voters, saw 300 voters turning up to vote.

Both mayor candidates for Mangaia, Ngateina Rani and Makitua Tutai, increased their numbers in the final count – Rani with a final count of 153, an increase of 11, and Tutai with 147, an increase of nine votes.

The Pa Enua/Outer Islands play a vital role in the Cook Islands, contributing to the country’s cultural heritage, natural environment, and economic activities. The Island Government Elections play a key role in giving the Pa Enua a voice in the broader governance of the Cook Islands. Over 2000 persons were entitled to vote in the 2024 Island Government Elections.

These elections follow a decentralised system, where each Pa Enua elects its own mayor and council. This structure enables Pa Enua communities to manage their own local affairs, make decisions that reflect their needs, and address issues directly affecting their daily lives.

Under the Island Government Act 2012–2013, each Island Government is responsible for delivering effective, responsible, and efficient local governance, based on the powers and duties set out in the Act and other relevant laws.