Cook Islands Financial Sector Growth Creates Demand for NZ Professionals
New Zealand professionals are in high demand as the Cook Islands' financial services sector experiences rapid growth. The number of new international trust registrations rose by almost 90% in two years, with a record 433 trusts registered last year.
The sector now accounts for 8.54% of real GDP, up from 8.32% the previous year, and contributed over NZ$48 million to the economy in 2024/25, a 27% increase from NZ$38 million in 2019/20.
Southpac Group CEO Mike Arand says that New Zealand is well placed to help meet the demand for skilled workers due to its close legal and economic relationship with the Cook Islands. He notes that continued growth will depend on access to highly skilled professionals, and the opportunity extends beyond supplying professional expertise.