The Board and staff of the Cook Islands Development Agency of New Zealand (CIDANZ) are very happy to announce the appointment of Mr Vaine Tuta’i (Ta’i) Richard as their new General Manager.
Ta’i is a proud Cook Islander of Atiuan, Aitutakian and Palmerston Island descent but like many Cook Islanders, has papa’anga to most if not all of the Pā Enua. As a fluent reo Māori speaker, he brings a passion for our Cook Islands Māori language and culture, a wealth of experience in language revitalisation, not-for-profit organisations, and public sector management. He was instrumental in establishing the Languages Unit at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples as the first Director of the Languages Unit then as Deputy Secretary, Pacific Languages and Identities. Ta’i holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Auckland and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Massey University.
“The Board wishes to thank those who applied for this position and were impressed by the calibre and aspirations of the applicants. As a result of a rigorous process, we are excited that one of our own sons from our community has been selected to take up this leadership role, continuing his service to our ‘iti tangata. Ta’i brings a wonderful combination of cultural pride, professional skills, experience, and energy to build on the foundation set by our previous leaders”, said CIDANZ Chair Hamish Crooks. “While we are happy that Ta’i can start in his role on 9 December, we are looking forward to inviting our community and stakeholders to connect with him early in 2025.”
Ta’i is excited about his new role, and when he met with the CIDANZ staff this morning noted that “he can’t wait to join the CIDANZ family and work with them to build on the many achievements of CIDANZ to date”.
Turou, oro mai Ta’i, e Kia Manuia!
For any queries, please contact Interim CE Caren Rangi on phone 021 227 2983 or email caren@cidanz.co.nz.