COOK Islands High Commissioner Michael Henry presented his credentials to Fiji President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu – a posting both governments say aims to deepen a growing Pacific partnership.
The ceremony at State House marked the latest step in a relationship that has expanded steadily since Fiji and the Cook Islands signed a five-year development cooperation agreement in 2023.
The agreement covers trade, connectivity, labour mobility, education and climate change, and the Cook Islands says it is now at a point where delivery needs to accelerate.
Henry, who was approved by the Cook Islands Cabinet on May 6 and received Fiji’s agreement on July 3, 2025, succeeds Jim Armistead, the Cook Islands’ first resident High Commissioner to Fiji, who finished his tenure in February 2025 after establishing the mission in Suva.
Ratu Naiqama congratulated Henry and said the Fiji-Cook Islands relationship was built on “shared Pacific heritage, close family ties and mutual respect.”
Henry said it was an honour to take up his first diplomatic posting in Fiji and said he had long visited the country for tourism and family.
“It is an honour to begin my first diplomatic posting in Fiji,” he said.
He also paid tribute to his grandfather, Sir Albert Henry, describing him as one of the founding Pacific leaders behind the establishment of the Pacific Islands Forum. Henry said he was proud to continue “that legacy of regional cooperation.”
Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana said the appointment came at an important moment in the bilateral relationship.
He said Fiji offered the Cook Islands access not only to regional networks, but also to wider commercial links.
“Fiji is home to some of the Pacific’s largest private sector organisations and is a gateway to bigger trading partners, including India and other emerging markets,” Elikana said.
“For a small economy like ours, this is where the opportunity lies.”
Elikana said Henry’s background in governance and commerce made him well suited for the job.
“In Michael, we have a High Commissioner with the commercial depth and governance experience to operate confidently in Fiji’s dynamic private sector environment,” he said.
Secretary of Cook IslandsForeign Affairs and Immigration Elizabeth Wright-Koteka said the Suva mission was central to the Cook Islands’ regional and economic engagement.
“Our mission in Suva puts us close to the centre of Pacific decision-making, and gives us daily access to key regional organisations, partners and markets,” she said.
“Michael’s boardroom experience and regional perspectives will be invaluable.”
The ministry said Henry brings more than two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, including roles in governance and directorships, and has served as chair of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation.
His background also includes work in infrastructure, tourism, economic growth and regional cooperation.
The Cook Islands and Fiji have been working to broaden cooperation as Pacific states face pressure to strengthen trade, labour mobility and climate resilience while navigating greater strategic competition in the region.
