Vaine Nooana-Arioka makes things happen! As CEO for the Bank of the Cook Islands since November 2008, BCI has grown its market share, introduced new services and products, reduced interest rates and partnered with Government agencies to deliver finance to un-served sectors of the community. Vaine’s experience is derived from over 15 years in Banking (6 of those years with ANZ Banking Group Ltd in the Cook Islands), and underscored with a Masters in International Economics and Finance (University of Queensland) as well as an Affiliate in Development Bank Management (Asia Pacific Institute of Development Finance). It is important to lend your talents where needed and one which Vaine has nurtured by active service outside of the banking world, holding various executive positions in non-government and government organisations, including Punanga Tauturu Inc and the Cook Islands Business Trade and Investment Board. Vaine has also held membership with various women and girls organisations such as Cook Islands Womens Counselling Centre, Cook Islands Girl Guides, Cook Islands Business and Professional Womens Association and more recently as Chairperson for the Finance Commission of the Cook Islands Red Cross. Vaine’s personal vision statement is “A financially independent Cook Islands”.
Robert began his banking career with the Cook Islands Development Bank in November 1991. Initially employed as a clerk with the Finance/Operations department he changed roles in 1995 to take up the challenges in the Lending department. Robert was promoted to Senior Credit Officer during his term in Lending. In 2004 his position was reassigned and he became a Senior Asset Management Officer. Robert became the relieving manager for the Asset Management Unit in October 2012 and in April 2013 that role became permanent. Socially, Robert enjoys his involvement with his Church and playing in the bank’s business house golf team.
Bank of Cook Islands’ Manager Credit, Ron Patia, joined up in March 2009. Ron’s previous banking career, which spanned 10 years and began with Citibank in Sydney, has been pretty diverse. His roles have covered complaints management, liaison, team leadership, customer services, mortgages, personal lending and card services. Ron holds a Master of Finance/Accounting Degree (University of Technology, Sydney), and a Bachelor of Arts (University of the South Pacific).
Rob joined BCI in 2020 to lead the banks digital transformation initiative. He has over 20 years' experience in the Technology Sector leading teams at both operational and strategic levels. Rob lead digital transformation in the education sector and has prior experience in the telecommunications industry. Rob is passionate about staying current and learning new things. he has a range of industry qualifications as well as a Masters in Digital Business (Waikato University) with undergrad degrees in Science (Physics) and Education.
Teruautu began his banking career in 1997 with the then Cook Islands Development Bank, specialising in credit and continued with the then newly formed Bank of the Cook Islands in 2001. Prior to taking up his current role, Manager Asset Management Unit in 2009, Teruautu was a project officer in the Aid Management Division of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management responsible for the social sectors of education and health and including the economic sector covering small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s).
Tapita joined the Bank of the Cook Islands in 2005 as senior lending officer. In 2008 her leadership journey began! Initially it was in the area of lending, as the personal loans team leader where Tapita was responsible for managing a small team of four. Then in March 2011, Tapita took up the challenge of being the relieving Manager, Compliance and in September 2012, that appointment became permanent.
Prior to joining BCI Tapita worked for the ANZ Banking Group in New Zealand for 8 years. Tapita enjoys socialising with friends, especially her BCI family – and that’s outside of work!
Rex joined BCI in 2006 as Information Technology Administrator. He brings years of IT experience from various industries including Inland Revenue Department, Telecom Cook Islands and Pacific Computers Ltd. Rex was involved with planning & implementation of key strategic IT & e-banking BCI projects over the past years. His vision is to provide quality IT service management for BCI to meet its objectives.
Rex holds a Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Information Systems (University of South Pacific).
Elizabeth joined the Bank in January 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting, Financial Management and Tourism and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Elizabeth has over 10 years of work experience in senior management roles in the areas of audit, aid, public sector, state owned enterprise (SOE) and banking.
Elizabeth’s most recent previous work experience included Financial Controller of Te Aponga Uira and Crown Accounts Manager for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
Briar joined the team at the BCI in January 2018 after moving country from Australia. Briar has been in the banking industry since 2009 working for ANZ and Bankwest. Her first position was for ANZ QLD as a Broker Support Officer, where she soon after became the Team Leader. From here Briar relocated to WA for a job opportunity within ANZ assisting with the Management of a Commercial & Agriculture Business Banking Portfolio. After 5 years with ANZ Briar began her next adventure with Bankwest where she remained in the Business Banking sector.
Briar moved to Rarotonga with her Cook Island husband, 4-year-old daughter and not to forget, her 8-year-old black Labrador. The family is enjoying being back home and hope to remain for many years to come.
Rory joined BCI as Chief Risk Officer in November 2018. Rory has a diverse 20 years of international corporate governance experience in roles across a number of industries including banking, airlines, insurance, wealth management, computer peripherals, public sector and SME’s.
Prior to joining BCI, Rory was self-employed and consulted to a wide range of Cook Islands clients including BCI. Rory is a qualified accountant and member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA).
As a Cook Islands resident of 10years, Rory is actively involved in community organizations including Sailing Cook Islands, Cook Islands Voyaging Society, Track & Field Club Rarotonga and Apii Te Uki Ou.
Mrs Mii Mataora in her current role as Manager Human Resources joined the BCI in September 2002 as Internal Auditor. She has over 20 years work experience within the Public Service and Te Aponga Uira covering the areas of internal audit, finance and administration.
Mii has a lot of personal interests but finds time spent with family as the most rewarding.
As Manager International Banking, Fred lives by a ‘Can Do’ approach!
Fred joined BCI in May 2020 and brings to the role his practical approach, gained not only from the wealth of knowledge via his vast banking career, and just as importantly, his personal insights.
Fred’s banking career pre BCI, spanning over 20 years across banks in NZ and Australia includes: Global Payments, Trade Finance, Foreign Exchange, International Banking, Customer Relationship Management, Sales and Marketing, Project Management, Mainframe System development and Product & Pricing analysis.
Outside of banking, Fred has held various roles including Business Development Manager with Training & Assessment Mentor Pty Limited; and more recently pursued personal goals as an Entrepreneur creating a final product for delivery and sale on the Amazon USA platform.
Fred’s personal regime consists of a rigorous physical routine, having competed in the disciplines of Muay Thai (New Zealand), Jiu-Jitsu (Australia) and Judo (Australia).
As a returning Cook Islander, Fred has come home to connect to his roots; and is excited to add his expertise to the Peoples Bank.
