Palmerston Island

Island Council

The Island Council is made up of six members:-
The three heads of each family and one other appointed by the family:
Bob Marsters, Matavia Family Head, and Mary Taira Tom
Bill Marsters, Akakaingaro Family Head, and Mama Inano Tuakana Marsters
Taepae Marsters, Te Pou Family Head, and Simon Marsters
The Mayor is appointed by the Heads of the Family and currently the Mayor is Bob Marsters.

Palmerston Island Administration (PIA)

Palmerston is administered by the Cook Islands Government through the Palmerston Island Administration (PIA).  An annual budget is given to the island, and Administration, Education, Energy, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Island Council and until recently health, are all paid through this budget.  The Island Secretary, employed by the Public Service Commission in Rarotonga, is responsible for the IA.  Marine is administered by Central Government as is the Police and there is a Government Representative who comes directly under the Prime Minister's Department.  The only private employer on the Island is Telecom.