Chairperson of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is pleased to announce a number of appointments to the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) Board, reflecting the continued strengthening of the organisation’s governance and leadership.
Effective 29 May 2026, Jessie Sword was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the TAU Board.
The TAU Board also welcomes Dallas Young and Metua Okotai, who were appointed as Directors effective 8 June 2026, and James Carfax-Foster effective 1 August 2026.
These appointments follow the departure of Directors Stuart Henry and Randolph George, and the resignation of Director Elizabeth Iro.
CIIC Board Chairperson Fletcher Melvin said the appointments represent an important transition for the TAU Board while maintaining a strong focus on good governance.
“I would like to sincerely thank Stuart Henry, Randolph George and Elizabeth Iro for their dedicated service to the Te Aponga Uira Board. Their leadership, commitment and experience have made a significant contribution to the organisation and its strategic direction.
“We are equally pleased to welcome Dallas Young, Metua Okotai and James Carfax-Foster as Directors. Each brings valuable skills, professional expertise and fresh perspectives that will strengthen the Board as TAU continues to deliver reliable electricity services for the Cook Islands.”
TAU Board Chairperson Donald (Don) Buchanan also acknowledged the outgoing Directors and welcomed the new appointments.
“The TAU Board extends its sincere appreciation to our outgoing Directors, Mr Stuart Henry, Mr Randolph George and Mrs Elizabeth Iro, for their dedicated service, commitment and valuable contributions to Te Aponga Uira. Their leadership, insight and stewardship have been greatly valued and has played an important role in strengthening the Board’s governance and supporting the strategic direction of Te Aponga Uira (TAU). We thank them for their service and wish them every success in their future endeavours.
“Ms Dallas Young, Ms Metua Okotai and Mr James Carfax-Foster bring to the Board a diverse range of skills; governance experience, legal experience and electrical industry expertise, and I look forward to their perspectives and contributions as we continue to guide Te Aponga Uira into the future.”
Incoming Directors
Dallas Young (appointed 8 June 2026) has over 20 years of professional experience across governance, strategy and organisational performance throughout the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific. She has previously served as Commercial Manager of Te Aponga Uira prior to 2021 and brings direct knowledge of the organisation and foundations of the electricity sector in the Cook Islands. She is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Economics, Banking and Finance.
Metua Okotai (appointed 8 June 2026) has significant governance and legal professional experience across the Cook Islands public and private sectors. She holds conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce degrees, majoring in Economics.
James Carfax-Foster (appointed 1 August 2026) has over 20 years of professional experience across facilities and asset management, electrical engineering and related electrical industry experience gained in the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia, together with governance experience. He holds a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and Advanced Electrical Trade certification and is a qualified Electrical Inspector.
The Board congratulates Jessie Sword on her appointment as Deputy Chairperson and looks forward to the continued contribution of all Directors as Te Aponga Uira delivers reliable, sustainable and efficient electricity services to the people of the Cook Islands.
