The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is undertaking a review of Ministerial and Parliamentary office accommodation following the recent General Election.
As part of its responsibility for managing the Government property portfolio, CIIC periodically reviews office accommodation and property requirements, including following changes in Government and Parliamentary office holders.
CIIC Chief Executive Allan Jensen said the period following an election provided an appropriate opportunity to assess existing office accommodation, available Government property and any maintenance or other works that may be required.
“With the Government currently operating in caretaker mode and new Ministerial arrangements yet to be confirmed, we are taking the opportunity to look across the relevant property portfolio and ensure the accommodation available is appropriate and fit for purpose,” Mr Jensen said.
“This includes looking at the condition and use of existing office space, what other Government-owned or managed accommodation may be available, and whether any maintenance, improvements or other works may be required.”
Mr Jensen said CIIC was working with Parliamentary Services as part of the review.
While that work is underway, CIIC has paused decisions relating to the tenancy, occupation or alteration of properties affected by the transition.
“We have asked that no new works or alterations are undertaken at affected properties until the review is completed and the appropriate arrangements have been confirmed,” Mr Jensen said.
“This ensures that any proposed expenditure or changes to CIIC-managed property are considered consistently, through the appropriate processes and as part of the wider assessment of Government accommodation requirements.”
Mr Jensen said the approach was part of CIIC’s normal property-management responsibilities and would provide a consistent basis for managing office accommodation through the current and future Parliamentary transitions.
CIIC will provide further advice to the relevant office holders and Parliamentary Services once the review is completed.
