6 Feb 2024

Cook Islands deputy prime minister removed from parliament

From , 6:01 am on 6 February 2024
Robert Tapaitau

Robert Tapaitau Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis

The Cook Islands' now former deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau has been removed from parliament.

He was found guilty of three charges of using a document to obtain pecuniary advantage and one charge of conspiracy to defraud. 

The former National Environment Service director Nga Puna and his wife Diane Charlie-Puna, who was the former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands were convicted on similar charges. 

Cook Islands News editor Rashneel Kumar speaks to RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham about the case.