The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has appointed senior macroeconomist Tristan Metcalfe as the new director for economic planning.

The role had been vacant since January 28 after the controversial resignation of former director Dr Willem Ysbrand Borren (Pim) following reports of internal rift between him and senior MFEM officials.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page last week, MFEM said Metcalfe brings to the role extensive experience in Cook Islands’ economic and fiscal policy, and a robust academic background in economics.

In his previous role as MFEM’s senior macroeconomist, Metcalfe was heavily involved in the design and implementation of the Cook Islands Economic Response Plan (ERP) and subsequent Economic Recovery Roadmap (ERR), as well as contributing to the Economic Development Strategy 2030, the statement said.

“Tristan has a strong understanding of the importance of Public Financial Management in the context of the Cook Islands contributing to numerous Budgets and Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Updates (HYEFU). From 2020, Tristan has been responsible for producing economic and tax revenue forecasts.”

In congratulating Metcalfe, Financial Secretary Garth Henderson said: “In my time working with Tristan I have found him to be impressive in his ability and willingness to work collaboratively with staff from other government agencies and our private sector stakeholders, in particular as we engaged more intensively during Covid-19. This is a critical skillset for MFEM as we all work together to support a fast and furious recovery.”

The statement said throughout his time with MFEM, Metcalfe has demonstrated strong leadership and management abilities, and has contributed to developing junior staff members’ technical and non-technical skills in the Economic Planning Division.

“His personal skills and attributes make him well-placed to manage and represent the team within MFEM and the broader government context.”