Audit

Audit Office of the Cook Islands

59/100

Summary

The Audit Office of the Cook Islands is established under the Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit Act 1995-96 and the Constitution of the Cook Islands (Art. 71). The Auditor-General is appointed by the Parliament for a 5-year term and may be removed only for cause on an address by Parliament. The Audit Office has full statutory access to all government accounts, documents, and records. Reports are presented to Parliament and published. The Cook Islands also receives audit assistance from the New Zealand Auditor-General under a formal arrangement.

Independence Scorecard

Independence Score: 59/100 (moderate)
59/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
AppointmentLegislative appointment
Term length5 years
Removal standardFor cause only
Budget independenceLegislative line item
Subpoena powerNo
Compel testimonyNo
Records accessFull access
Public reports requiredYes
Pre-publication reviewNone — reports published directly

Statute

Name
Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit Act 1995-96
Citation
Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit Act 1995-96; Constitution of the Cook Islands (1965), Art. 71
Full text
Full text of law →

Jurisdiction scope

All accounts, expenditure, and financial statements of the Cook Islands Government, ministries, departments, and public bodies receiving government funding; reports to Parliament.

Secondary Sources