Tekaotiki Matapo (born 16 April 1944) is a Cook Islands former politician, Cabinet Minister, and diplomat. He is currently president of the Cook Islands Party.

Early career

Matapo was born in Rarotonga and educated at Titikaveka School, Avarua primary School, and Tereora College. He joined the Cook Islands Police Service in 1962, later rising to the rank of inspector. He also served as a national representative in athletics and rugby and as president of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee.

Tekaotiki Matapo

Politics career

Matapo was first elected to the Parliament of the Cook Islands in the 1989 Cook Islands general election. He was Minister of Justice of the Cook Islands from 1989 to 1999, (1989-1999) serving in the cabinets of Tom Davis and Pupuke Robati.

Tekaotiki Matapo

From 2011 to December 2015 served as High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to New Zealand, being replaced by Teremoana Yala.

Tekaotiki Matapo

In August 2018 he was appointed president of the Cook Islands Party.

Matapo was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2022 Birthday Honours.

References

Members of the Parliament of the Cook Islands

Government ministers of the Cook Islands

High Commissioners of the Cook Islands to New Zealand

Democratic Party (Cook Islands) politicians

Cook Islands Party politicians

Year of birth uncertain

Officers of the Order of the British Empire