We ensure that the Public Service system is focused on delivering the outcomes and services that Cook Islanders want, while maintaining high levels of trust and confidence through effective leadership governance and achieving National Sustainable Development Plan goals.

The Office of the Public Service Commissioner provides leadership and oversight of the Public Service, ensuring that it carries out its purpose. We aim to establish a Human Resources Management framework that attracts, develops and retains high performing people, and build high performing public sector leaders with integrity and empathy. We also aim to create leadership and career pathways for public servants and reward exemplary performance.

We focus our efforts on developing and implementing:

• Recruitment strategies and practices to attract and retain employees with the appropriate knowledge,

  skills, attitudes and attributes

• Induction programmes for all public servants that promote our national identity and values

• A robust remuneration framework to attract and retain high performing employees

• A performance management system that improves performance and rewards excellence

• Strategies that support employee innovation and empowerment

• A public service culture that promotes zero tolerance for misconduct and corruption.

• Training and skill development programmes

• Partnerships with the private sector, our Cook Islands overseas diaspora and development partners to

• secure the best employees for our roles

We administer the New Zealand Government Superannuation Fund (GSF)

OPSC administers the New Zealand Government Superannuation Fund (GSF) in the Cook Islands along with Datacom New Zealand. GSF has not accepted new members since 1996.

​Employees contribute between 6 – 6.5 per cent towards their retirement.  

​Communication is received by members from Datacom on a regular and annual basis.

The table below shows number of contributors to the New Zealand GSF in the Cook Islands as of 2017.

The table below shows number of recipients and beneficiaries in the Cook Islands as of 2017.

Frequently asked questions about the GSF

1. Do I have to declare my GSF pension for income tax purposes?

All GSF pensions became free of tax on 1 April 1990. Therefore members resident in New Zealand no longer need declare their allowance to the Department of Inland Revenue.

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2. What do I need to do if I want to change my bank account?

If you wish to change your bank account Datacom needs to be advised in writing, providing your full bank account number and pay date you want the change to take effect from. You can use the Change in Personal Details Form which can be found on this website under Documents. Please note that your pension (retiring allowance) must be paid to a bank account in your name.

3. Can my pension be paid into an overseas bank account?

If a member intends to reside overseas permanently, depending on the country of residence, their pension (retiring allowance) may be paid to an overseas bank account.

Datacom should be notified of any change of address as a certificate requiring confirmation of the member’s whereabouts is sent annually. Failure to return the certificate could result in suspension of the pension (retiring allowance).

4.  What do I do if I am retiring, resigning, or made redundant from my position?

You need to complete form GS20/1 (see Booklet GS20) which advises Datacom of your election on ceasing Government service. If you are eligible to take your retiring allowance immediately on ceasing Government service you may wish to contact OPSC before you cease service so that we may obtain from Datacom details of the options available to you (see question 13). These options will be provided, in any event, following your cessation of service.

5. Does my employer need to do anything if I am retiring, resigning, or made redundant from my position?

Your employer should confirm the details of your cessation of service to Datacom, advising your last day of paid service for GSF purposes. Datacom will request your employer to complete a GS1000 form.

6. What should I do if I will be commencing work with another Government employer?

You should complete form GS1 (see Booklet GS19) and send it to Datacom who will check that you are eligible to continue contributing to GSF and contact your new employer for your commencement details. It is recommended you contact Datacom if you are considering alternative employment to confirm you will be eligible to continue contributing to GSF through that employer.

Leave without pay

1. What do I have to pay?

If you are over age 50, or under age 50 and have not formally elected to cease contributions to GSF prior to going on leave, you must pay contributions on a full cost basis during any period of leave without pay. This includes both your contribution and the equivalent of the employer subsidy.

2. Can I elect to cease contributions while on leave without pay?

If you are under the age of 50 you may elect to cease contributions while on leave without pay. However, you must formally elect to cease contributions prior to commencing the period of leave. Contributions must be paid up to the effective date of the election.

If you wish to make an election to cease contributions in these circumstances please contact the scheme administrator before you go on leave without pay.

On subsequently reaching the age of 50, if you have not recommenced contributions your contributions paid to date will be paid and you will not be eligible to rejoin GSF.