Ministry of Marine Resources Secretary Pamela Maru from the Cook Islands has been appointed to an executive position at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), stepping into the role as Deputy Director-General in January 2027, after completing her seven-year, two-term tenure at the helm of Cook Islands Marine Resources.
A former Fisheries Management Adviser at the FFA in Honiara, she will support FFA Director-General Noan Pakop of Papua New Guinea.
The two executive roles, as with other senior leadership positions in Pacific regional organisations, are advertised globally. Candidates are then shortlisted and interviewed before Pacific leaders from FFA member countries make the final selection.
‘I am humbled by this appointment and the vote of confidence shown by FFA members. While I leave home, my service to the Cook Islands as part of the Pacific Forum Fisheries family will continue – just with an expanded regional focus,’ Pamela Maru said.
‘It has been a highlight of my career to work alongside MMR staff and help drive memorable milestones for fisheries and our nation. I leave with a grateful heart and look forward to the next steps for marine resources and the sustainable management of our oceanic heritage.’
Cook Islands Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter praised Pamela Maru’s professionalism and contribution as head of the Ministry of Marine Resources. He described her leadership as focused on strengthening the ministry and supporting staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He commented that she had also helped shape fisheries governance regionally and globally, and had cemented the Cook Islands’ leadership in key oceanic fisheries forums – especially through negotiations at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Cook Islands’ successful hosting of the 20th WCPFC Tuna Commission meeting in Rarotonga in 2023.
In her final months in the role, Pamela Maru will focus on completing change management work within the ministry and launching forward-looking strategic documents for MMR.
‘One of the key memories I will treasure from my time with MMR has been the work of our people across the different sections. It has been fantastic to see how much raw talent and dedication we have, and to serve alongside those committed to serving our people and our ipukarea,’ she said.
‘It is also clear that, while much of our science and compliance work happens away from the public eye, the benefits of MMR’s work will continue to be felt in the years ahead. Cook Islands people want to feed their families and sustain their livelihoods from the resources we have. Where ever this work takes me, I will always keep that focus on people. It is what matters most.’
