New Board Appointments Strengthen CIIC Group and Airport Authority Leadership

The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is pleased to announce several new appointments across its group, reflecting the Government’s continued commitment to strong governance, local leadership, and the delivery of quality public assets that serve the people of the Cook Islands.

The Minister responsible for CIIC, Hon. Albert Nicholas, has reappointed Patrick Arioka to the CIIC Board, effective 1 October 2025.

Mr Arioka brings extensive experience in corporate governance, policy, and community service. He previously served as a CIIC Board Director (February 2023 – October 2024) and as Interim Chairperson of the Airport Authority (November 2024 – October 2025).

Former Policy and Economic Director at the Ministry of Agriculture and President of the Cook Islands Red Cross Society. Mr Arioka holds a Graduate Certificate in Business from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Effective 1 October 2025, the CIIC Board of Directors has confirmed new appointments to the Airport Authority Board and farewelled Interim Chairperson Patrick Arioka, who completed his term on the same date.

The following appointments were made by the CIIC Board:

• Edward Herman – Chairperson
  Mr Herman has extensive experience in finance, corporate governance, and the private sector. He previously served on the Airport Authority Board as Director (October 2021 – January 2024) and Deputy Chairperson (January 2024 – October 2025).

His professional background includes roles as Auditor at the Cook Islands Audit Office, Senior Compliance Officer at the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Consumer Commissioner, and General Manager and CEO of Toa Petroleum. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland.

• Talissa Koteka – Director
  Ms Koteka brings strong legal and governance expertise to the Airport Authority. She holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degrees and has  experience in the Cook Islands Football Disciplinary Committee, Cook Islands Canoeing Association, and the Pacific Islands Law Students Association.

Her board appointment strengthens the Board’s capability in legal and regulatory matters.

• Desmond (Des) Eggelton – Director
  Mr Eggelton brings extensive technical and project management experience to the Board. He previously served on the To Tatou Vai Board (August 2019 – October 2025) and has held various directorships within the CIIC Group.
  A Registered Engineering Associate with NZCD and NZCE qualifications, he has managed major infrastructure projects across the Cook Islands.

CIIC Chair Fletcher Melvin said the CIIC Board welcomes the new appointments:
“We look forward to working alongside Edward, Desmond, and Talissa as the Airport Authority continues to deliver quality infrastructure and services for the Cook Islands people.”

Minister Albert Nicholas said he was delighted with these appointments:
“These new appointees bring considerable experience to their respective boards. Their skills and leadership will continue the great work CIIC is undertaking — managing Crown assets and enterprises,and delivering CIIC’s vision of quality assets that serve the Cook Islands people,” said Mr Nicholas.