18 June 2026 A modern approach to Public Service induction in the Cook Islands
A modern approach to Public Service induction in the Cook Islands
The Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC) believes starting a role in the Cook Islands public service should feel connected, consistent and supported, no matter where you are or when you start.
The Cook Islands Public Sector Orientation (induction) introduces new employees to how the public service works: its values, expectations and how it serves its people. Traditionally, this has been delivered through in-person sessions in Rarotonga. While valuable, this approach has become harder to sustain as the workforce grows and spreads across more locations. Fewer new staff can attend in person, so some are inducted later than intended or receive inconsistent information.
To address this, OPSC partnered with the Fale to reshape the Orientation into a more flexible learning experience that combines online modules with face-to-face sessions through FaleOnline, the Fale’s online learning management system. The goal was simple. Every public servant, whether based in Rarotonga or the Pa Enua, should be able to access the same core information at any time, learn at their own pace, revisit content when needed, and build a strong foundation before attending in-person sessions.
The Fale worked closely with OPSC to convert the existing Orientation into a series of online modules that support, rather than replace, the in-person sessions. The content was developed together to reflect the Cook Islands' context. As one person put it, the modules are "well structured, easy to understand, and helped improve knowledge and preparedness".
Orientation is essential for new employees, and it is just as useful for existing staff who want a refresher, particularly those who completed it several years ago. The online modules make it easier for public servants to revisit key principles, strengthen their understanding and stay aligned with current expectations.
Early feedback shows improved access to induction learning, and the modules are strengthening public servants' understanding of what it means to work in the Cook Islands public service. Users say the modules are easy to use and can be completed at a time that suits them, with one participant noting they were "easy to access from anywhere". This matters most for staff outside Rarotonga. OPSC noted the modules have "helped to make Orientation accessible, particularly to those in remote areas… and allow staff to review the modules at any time". Users also described the content as "clear, engaging and easy to understand" and said it "helped me build knowledge I can use in my role". Another respondent noted the modules ensure "everyone gets consistent information" about working in the public service.
OPSC staff have noticed a shift in how participants engage in face-to-face sessions. Participants now arrive with "a foundational understanding of the Public Sector as a whole when they come to the sessions… we test their recall through a quiz at the beginning". This frees up time to move past introductory content and focus on meaningful discussion, practical insights and engagement with senior leaders. Presenters also have more room to design interactive sessions that bring the public service to life by sharing real experiences, challenges and opportunities across agencies. As one team member said, "it has allowed us to be more creative with how we present at the in-person sessions".
This initiative shows how digital tools can improve the way public service learning is delivered. OPSC has made induction easier to access, more consistent and better suited to a diverse workforce. It reflects a shift towards a more inclusive, flexible and connected public service, and shows how online and in-person learning can work together to support better outcomes for public servants. Through this work, OPSC has also strengthened its own capability to design and deliver digital learning.
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Strengthening public service workforce planning across the Pacific9 June 2026
The Public Service Fale recently had the privilege of attending the Pacific Workforce Planning Conference as an observer, following the invitation of the Samoa Public Service Commission and the Australian Public Service Commission.
Hosted in Brisbane from 2 - 4 June 2026, the conference brought together more than 55 HR practitioners from across the Pacific. Over three days, the focus was on practical learning, country-led insights, and strengthening how the Workforce Planning Guideline is applied in real settings.
Samoa Public Service Commission is leading this work, supported by contributions from across the region. Their leadership, alongside the support of the Australian Public Service Commission, created the conditions for informed, country-led conversations to advance workforce planning across the Pacific.
Throughout the conference, countries shared how they are adapting the Guideline to reflect their own context and priorities. The examples shared showed steady progress and growing capability, with a strong sense of openness across countries. Participants exchanged ideas, challenges, and solutions in a way that supported collective progress.
We are grateful to and acknowledge the Samoa Public Service Commission and the Australian Public Service Commission for their leadership in this area. The Fale looks forward to seeing continued progress across the Pacific and to contributing a deeper understanding of how the Guideline may best be applied over time.
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Public Service Fale supports Pacific Public Sector Mid-Level Leadership Course in Auckland, NZ5 June 2026
The Public Service Fale was very pleased to support the Public Sector Leadership Mid-Level course delivered by the Public Policy Institute, University of Auckland from 25 May to 12 June 2026.
Funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, the course brings together Pacific officials in Mid-level public sector leadership roles to increase the knowledge and skills that will lead to improved public sector efficiency and effectiveness in their home countries.
From the Fale, Dean Rosson, Manager, and Jordan Aquila, Advisor, met with 28 senior leaders from twelve Pacific countries as part of the Programme. They shared an overview of Public Service Fale’s work, including how we support Pacific Public Service Commissioners and senior public servants across 16 Pacific Island Countries and Territories through regionally focussed initiatives, shared learning, and practical capability building. The session included an activity where participants worked in groups to discuss a change process they were involved in using the trust equation framework to share how they built trust in the change process
We valued the opportunity to connect with our fellow public servant leaders, who are navigating common issues in the delivery of their governments' public sector priorities and, to contribute to their learning and development during their three-week programme in Auckland.
The Public Service Fale’s core purpose is to support strong, capable, and trusted public services by facilitating regional cooperation, shared learning, and practical capability building. Our long-term outcome is to support the delivery of effective, citizen-centred public services that respond to the needs of citizens in each country and territory.
Thank you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Public Policy Institute of University of Auckland and the Programme participants for the opportunity to connect and share learning.
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Announcement: Share Learn Connect | Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Pacific Public ServiceRegistrations close 24 June 2026
As part of the Fale’s Share Learn Connect series for 2026, we are pleased to announce our second session on Managing Conflicts of Interest in the Pacific Public Service. Share Learn Connect events provide the opportunity for Pacific public service colleagues to deepen understanding, strengthen capability, and connect through shared learning.
This session will be led by the Kiribati Public Service Office and Public Service Fale, who will share practical insights to their approaches on managing conflicts of interest in the public service.
This session is open to all Pacific public servants. It is particularly relevant to those involved in contracting, procurement and recruitment. We appreciate your support in sharing this invitation with your leadership team, wider staff and departments. We particularly welcome attendance from Human Resource and plicy leaders. Registration for the session can be completed via the link below.
Conflicts of interest can arise daily in Pacific public services, for example through family, church, and community connections that are deeply woven into public servants’ lives. This session will reinforce three messages: conflicts are common, transparency is essential, and conflicts must be managed to protect the integrity of decisions and maintain public trust and confidence.
Presenters:
Kireata Meauke, Director, Integrity and Corruption Control, Kiribati Public Service Office
Kireata Meauke leads the Integrity and Corruption Control Division. He manages its day-to-day work and helps strengthen integrity and ethical conduct across the public service, in line with anti-corruption law and policy. He leads work to bring United Nations Convention Against Corruption principles into national law and policy. He previously worked as a Senior Labour Policy Officer at the Ministry of Employment and Human Resources, where he helped bring international labour convention principles into national policy. He also represents the Kiribati Public Service Office at regional and international anti-corruption forums. In this session, Kireata will talk about how conflicts of interest are managed in the Kiribati Public Service recruitment process.
Dean Rosson, Manager, Public Service Fale
Before joining the Fale earlier this year Dean worked as an Integrity Manager at the Public Service Commission. His work involved supporting public service agencies with integrity advice, responding to integrity concerns including protected disclosures and integrity investigations of agencies when required. Dean will discuss a recent investigation involving conflicts of interest with family members during procurement and will highlight key challenges and lessons learned.
Date: 25 June 2026
Time: 1pm (Kiribati and NZ time)
Venue: Online via Teams
Note: Registrations will close at end of business 24 June 2026.This session supports our shared goal of strengthening ethical leadership and promoting consistent standards within public services across the region.
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Public Service Fale supports Pacific Public Sector Leadership Programme in Wellington, NZ11 May 2026
The Public Service Fale was very pleased to support the Pacific Public Sector Leadership Programme, delivered by Victoria University of Wellington in Wellington from 4 to 15 May 2026.
Funded through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships, the Programme brings together Pacific public sector leaders investing in capability, enhancing leadership practice and strengthening people to people networks across the region.
From the Fale, Deputy Commissioner, Tania Ott, Dean Rosson, Manager, and Teanuanua Nicole, Senior Advisor, met with 13 senior leaders from nine Pacific countries as part of the Programme. They shared an overview of Public Service Fale’s work, including how we support Pacific Public Service Commissioners and senior public servants across 16 Pacific Island Countries and Territories through regionally focussed initiatives, shared learning, and practical capability building. The session included activities on leading change and an energetic Q and A with Deputy Commissioner Tania Ott!
The talanoa was insightful with thoughtful questions, reflections and discussion throughout. We sincerely valued the opportunity to connect with our fellow public servant leaders, who are navigating common issues in the delivery of their governments' public sector priorities and, to contribute to their learning and development during their fortnight on the Programme in Wellington.
The Public Service Fale’s core purpose is to support strong, capable, and trusted public services by facilitating regional cooperation, shared learning, and practical capability building. Our long-term outcome is to support the delivery of effective, citizen-centred public services that respond to the needs of citizens in each country and territory.
Thank you sincerely to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Victoria University of Wellington and the Programme participants for the opportunity to connect and share learning.
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Strengthening Pacific fisheries capability through partnership with the Public Service Fale15 April 2026
The Public Service Fale has partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries Pacific fisheries capacity development programme to make fisheries learning more accessible to Pacific public servants through FaleOnline.
Te Pātuitanga Ahumoana ā Kiwa, known as Te Pātui, is MPI’s Pacific fisheries capacity development programme. Te Pātui works with Pacific Island countries and regional organisations to strengthen fisheries governance, management, and monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement.
The Fale provides an on-line learning management system, where Pacific public servants can access Te Pātui’s online eLearning modules, developed with and for the region. The modules are flexible and self-paced, complementing in person support or training that can be requested through MPI.
Strong fisheries governance supports livelihoods, food security, and sustainable oceans across the Pacific. Pacific public servants play a central role in this work, often balancing complex technical, environmental, and community considerations. Access to practical, relevant learning helps support confident decision making and consistent practice.
The Fale and Te Pātui are funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the programmes have a common focus on long term capability building within Pacific public services.
The Te Pātui modules available on FaleOnline cover key areas of fisheries management and enforcement, including:
- Principles and approaches
- Tools and measures
- Management across sectors
- Introduction to coastal fisheries
- Ethics, a code of conduct for authorised officers
- Boarding and inspection
Pacific public servants can access Te Pātui learning on FaleOnline here.
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Fale Mentoring Programme: celebrating peer to peer learning in the Pacific2 April 2026
The Public Service Fale recently celebrated its 9th cohort of leaders to complete the Fale Mentoring Programme.
Since 2021, approximately 120 Pacific public servants have completed the Programme, with cohort 9 representing mentors and mentees from Kiribati, the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. During regular one‑to‑one mentoring sessions over 9 months, participants navigated leadership issues, from making sound decisions under pressure, through to leading teams in changing operating environments and breaking down silos to strengthen organisational culture.
Speakers at the graduation ceremony talked about the people-to-people connections they had built during the Programme and their intent to continue these important relationships. Reflecting on the importance of actively implementing their learning in the workplace, one mentee commented, “the real work starts now.” Another mentee shared, “advice that has stayed with me is to ‘own your role, helping me to recognise the importance of having confidence in my position and trusting the expertise and capability that led to my appointment. This mindset has strengthened my approach to decision‑making and leadership.”
Mentors reflected on being flexible to overcome time and connectivity constraints so using quick meetings or WhatsApp to enable regular, in‑the‑moment support and real time feedback. They also valued the perspective that the Programme provides on how common the issues and challenges are that we all face as public servants: “I was absolutely struck at the commonality of the issues we all face across organisations, sectors and countries” and “we don’t necessarily have all the answers, but we can share ideas about where to look.”
The Programme is a regional capability building initiative and reflects the New Zealand government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening good governance and leadership capability in Pacific public services. The Fale acknowledges the generosity of senior Pacific and New Zealand based public servants who volunteer their time and experience in the service of others. Their work strengthens leadership confidence and capability, expands access to context‑specific development, and reinforces collaboration across Pacific public services.
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