Strengthening Public Financial Management in the Cook Islands 

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) is leading a programme to strengthen public financial management across the Cook Islands Government.  The programme is supported by the Climate Finance Capacity Support Programme (CFCSP). 

While the existing framework has provided a strong foundation, government financial management has become more complex, with increased expectations around transparency, service delivery, climate finance and cross-agency coordination. Through this programme MFEM will proactively review and strengthen the legal, policy and operational frameworks that govern public finances to ensure they remain fit for purpose, including:

• Review of the MFEM Act 1995-96

• Review and update of the Cook Islands Government Financial Policies and Procedures Manual

• Development of a Finance Shared Services Framework. 

The programme aims to enhance the Government’s ability to plan, manage and report on public finances, including climate-related funding, in line with national priorities and international good practice. 

The review of the MFEM Act will be undertaken by local consultants, Kaveinga Mātūtū, while KPMG New Zealand will lead the remaining workstreams.

Key stakeholder engagement will occur throughout the programme to ensure reforms are practical, inclusive, and well aligned with the Cook Islands’ needs. 

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