18th Cook Islands Parliament

The 18th Cook Islands Parliament is the current term of the Parliament of the Cook Islands. Its composition was determined by the 2022 elections on 1 August 2022. The opening of parliament was delayed by over 7 months due to petitions over the election results. The 18th parliament finally opened on 21 March 2023.

Officeholders

Presiding officers

• Speaker of the House: Tai Tura (Cook Islands Party)
• Deputy Speaker of the House: Tuakeu Tangatapoto (Cook Islands Party)

Other parliamentary officers

• Clerk: Tangata Vainerere
• Deputy Clerk: Tai Manavaroa

Party leaders

• Prime Minister: Hon. Mark Brown (Cook Islands Party)
• Deputy Prime Minister:
• Hon. Albert Nicholas (Cook Islands Party) from 16 February 2024
• Hon. Robert Tapaitau (Independent) until 31 January 2024
• Leader of the Opposition: Tina Browne (Democratic Party)
• Leader of the Cook Islands United Party: Teariki Heather

Floor leaders

• Leader of the House: Akaiti Puna (Cook Islands Party)

Whips

• Government Whip: Sonny Williams (Cook Islands Party)

Members

Initial party standings

Initial MPs

Summary of changes

• Independent MP Stephen Matapo joined the Cook Islands Party on 25 August 2022.
• The Penrhyn seat became vacant due to Robert Tapaitau's conviction. A by-election was held and Sarakura Tapaitau was elected on 12 March 2024.

Committees

The 18th Parliament has 3 standing committees, 2 select committees and 3 specialist committees:

References