Sincere congratulations to two of our senior staff who have been appointed to Head of Ministry positions. Gail
Townsend has been appointed as my replacement and will lead the Ministry of Education, whilst Anthony Turua will take over as the new HoM for the Ministry of Culture.
Gail has been employed by the Ministry of Education since 2003. She initially held the position of Science Advisor and has risen through the ranks more recently holding positions as Director of Policy and Planning and
Executive Director. Gail brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in education and has outstanding qualifications including a Master’s Degree in International Educational Policy and Planning, and a Master’s Degree in Science. Her appointment provides the opportunity for education in the Cook Islands to further
strengthen and develop. I am confident that her passion to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for all Cook Islanders and her professionalism, commitment and energetic approach will provide the leadership this Ministry now needs.
Anthony joined the Ministry of Education in October 2002 as Finance Manager and more recently has held the
position as Director of Finance, responsible for the financial management of our Ministry as well as school buildings and grounds. He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and has been an active member on a range of community and non-government organizations. Coupled with these qualifications and experience, Anthony’s love for his language and culture makes him the ideal person to lead the Ministry of Culture
and I know he has a commitment to strengthen the collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Culture for the betterment of the people of the Cook Islands.
I extend my very best wishes to both Gail and Anthony as they take on these new challenges and look forward to seeing both these Ministries grow from strength to strength under their leadership.