Latest news with #NormanGeorge
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Former Reserve Bank boss Adrian Orr joins Cook Islands Super board
Adrian Orr quit as RBNZ governor in March after a dispute over future funding of the bank. Photo: Former Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has become a member of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF) board. Orr has family links to the Cooks and has supported the fund previously, with advice from its formation. Fund chair Heinz Matysik said Orr was a welcome addition. "Adrian brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership that will strengthen our board," he said. "His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the fund enters its next phase of growth and development." The CINSF said Orr had supported uncle and former MP Norman George to get the fund established "Since the fund's inception, Mr Orr has provided strategic and operational support to the board and executive, contributing to the fund's continued development." The board seat is Orr's first public appearance since he abruptly quit as RBNZ governor in early March, after what was later confirmed to be a dispute with the RBNZ board over future funding of the central bank. Orr headed the New Zealand Super for close to a decade, before moving to the RBNZ. The Cook Islands Fund turns 25 this year and has about $300 million in assets under management. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Former Cook Islands Deputy PM calls on NZ to reclaim control over health and education
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Under the Cook Islands constitution, New Zealand cannot pass laws for the Cook Islands. Photo: Supplied / PMN A former Deputy Prime Minister of the Cook Islands is calling for the nation to reconsider rejoining New Zealand. Prominent lawyer Norman George argues that self-government has failed and urges New Zealand to take control of education, policing, and healthcare in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, sharing the same Head of State, King Charles III. New Zealand has constitutional responsibilities in matters such as foreign affairs, disaster response, and defence. The Cook Islands has been self-governing since August 2025, almost 60 years. Cook Islanders are also New Zealand citizens and hold New Zealand passports. George describes the current political leadership under Prime Minister Mark Brown as undemocratic and dismissive of opposition voices. "Cook Islands sovereignty is a mess, abused by the politicians and there's no democracy," George tells PMN. "Our education system here is an absolute disaster, there's not one single New Zealand-educated teacher. "All our teachers are from other Pacific islands, and by no means, I am not critical of them, but I can tell you in my book, none of them are good enough to teach my children and grandchildren." Ex-Cook Islands Deputy PM and prominent lawyer Norman George. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika A veteran Cook Islands politician, George was first elected in 1983. He served over 30 years in parliament including terms as speaker, deputy prime minister, and a cabinet minister. He lost his seat in the 2014 general election. George also suggests that the Cook Islands should have at least three dedicated seats in the New Zealand Parliament, similar to Māori electorates. "With New Zealand's approval and blessing, of course, we certainly are not demanding it. "It's the kind of thing we want discussed because before, when we had internal self-government, nobody ever raised the idea, hey, we shouldn't be in a rush to go for self-government if you let us have some seats in your house." Responding to George's suggestions, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledges the deep constitutional ties between the two nations. "We have a very special relationship with the Cook Islands, it's coming up 60 years, and with that, it's a very special constitutional arrangement where we have certain rights and responsibilities to each other," Luxon says. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks at a post-Cabinet media conference. Photo: Screenshot But, Luxon was cautious about responding to George's specific proposals. "Any change or evolution of those arrangements, we're always up for the conversation, but it would need to come from the Cook Islands people," Luxon says. "I'm not going to react just to an individual's idea. Anything that is concrete and proposed would come through proper channels for proper debate and discussion. "But we do have very strong constitutional arrangements with a realm country arrangement that has obligations on both parties." George recently voiced his views in a letter to the editor of the Cook Islands News to "rattle the cage of thinkers in our community". But he adds integration back to New Zealand needs to be carefully considered, and only progressed with the consent of the people of the Cook Islands and New Zealand. The Cook Islands' Prime Minister, Mark Brown, has been approached for comment. -This article was first published by PMN .
