About CINSF
Securing the financial futures of Cook Islanders since 2000
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund is committed to providing sustainable retirement income security for all members through prudent fund management, professional investment strategies, and exceptional member service.
Our Mission
To provide secure and sustainable retirement benefits for members through sound governance, professional investment management, and member-focused service.
Our Vision
To be the trusted partner in retirement security for Cook Islanders, recognised for strong fund management and service to members.
Our Values
Integrity, transparency, member-first approach, professional excellence, and commitment to sustainable growth.
Fund Governance
The Fund operates under the governance framework established by the Cook Islands National Superannuation Act 2000 and the 2017 Amendment Act.
The Fund sits under the responsibility of the Minister for Superannuation. The Fund complies with the laws of the Cook Islands and operates within the laws of countries where it invests.
Board
The function of the Board is to ensure that the Fund is run in accordance with the Act. The Act sets out who will be members of the Board.
Key Responsibilities:
Administers the Act
Maintains the Trust Deed with the Trustee
Appoints the Trustee and CEO
Approves investment strategies
Reports and advises the Minister
Management
The Management team is made up of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Client Services Officer and Chief Risk Officer.
Key Responsibilities:
Carries out functions delegated by the Board
Manages operations and staff
Develops investment strategies with the Trustee
Monitors investment performance
Communicates with members
Trustee
The CINSF Board of Directors have appointed the Public Trust of New Zealand as Trustee of the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund.
Key Responsibilities:
Administers the Trust Deed
Protects member interest
Approves investment strategies
Appoints auditors, administrators, and investment managers
Prepares the Annual Report
Our Board of Directors
The Cook Islands National Superannuation Act established the National Superannuation Board to ensure the Fund operates in accordance with the Act.
Heinz Matysik
Chairman, Non-Chamber Employers Rep
Principal of Little & Matysik P.C. with extensive experience in banking and finance, commercial and corporate law. Previously worked as a lawyer in New Zealand and Europe. Former member of the Cook Islands Financial Supervisory Commission and current member of the Cook Islands Public Expenditure Review Committee. Holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of Auckland and is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Adrian Orr
Board Member
Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (2018–2025). A Cook Islands-Irish descendant with extensive international experience in economics, banking, and financial policy. Previous roles include Chief Economist at the National Bank of New Zealand, Deputy Governor and Head of Financial Stability at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, and Chief Executive of the Guardians of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. Holds degrees from the University of Waikato and the University of Leicester.
John Tini
Workers Association Representative
Cook Islander with over 25 years of experience across the Pacific, Asia, and North America in finance, audit, taxation, trusts, funds administration, superannuation, and project development. Former CEO of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and the Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund. Also held roles with Asiaciti Trust, KPMG Rarotonga, and Fiji Inland Revenue. Registered Chartered Accountant and principal of John Tini & Associates. Graduate of the University of the South Pacific.
Rebecca Puni
Chamber of Commerce Representative
Lawyer with over 15 years’ experience in corporate and commercial law and trusts. Nominated to the CINSF Board by the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce and appointed in November 2024. Holds Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees from Victoria University of Wellington and a Master of Laws from the University of Auckland specialising in corporate and commercial law.
Olivia Heather
Members Representative
Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Vonnias with extensive experience in accounting, finance, and governance across both the public and private sectors. Former Chartered Accountant. Holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, a Bachelor of Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Finance.
Garth Henderson
Financial Secretary
Former manager of the Development Coordination Division at MFEM before serving as Acting Financial Secretary and later joining the Asian Development Bank as an advisor. During his time with ADB he reviewed development loans and grant projects exceeding US$30 billion. Holds qualifications in Management and Marine Affairs, an MBA from the University of the South Pacific, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Affairs.
Alan Taylor
Additional Board Member
Director of SAT Services Limited and former CEO of the Cook Islands Financial Services Development Authority. Previously held international roles including Group Legal Counsel, Head of Commercial, and Managing Director. Specialises in asset holding structures, commercial transactions, risk management, and business development.
Our Leadership Team
Under the CINSF Act 2000, the Board delegates certain responsibilities to the CEO. Working with the management team, the CEO oversees the administration of the Act, Fund operations, member services, regulatory compliance, and enforcement responsibilities under the Act.
Damien Beddoes
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Joined CINSF in 2014 when the Fund managed NZD$80 million. Previously held executive roles at Telecom Cook Islands, Bank of the Cook Islands, Countrywide Bank of New Zealand, and the National Bank of New Zealand. Since joining the Fund he has overseen significant growth in Funds Under Management and strengthened governance, transparency, member engagement, and internal capability. He also chaired the establishment of the Pacific Islands Investment Forum, representing 18 regional funds across 12 countries with more than NZD$80 billion in assets.
David Brown
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Joined CINSF in 2021 following a 30-year career in institutional investment across Australia, the UK, and the Pacific. His experience spans listed and private equity markets, real estate, and investment strategy development. Holds an MSc in Investment Analysis from the University of Stirling, a BCom from the University of Auckland, and is a member of the CFA Institute, Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Fellow of FINSIA.
Twinn Joseph
Chief Member Officer
Joined CINSF in 2010 and was appointed Chief Member Officer in 2012. Responsible for overseeing member services and improving the client experience across the Fund. Previously worked in the tourism industry across service delivery and finance roles. Holds a Bachelor of Management from the University of Otago.
Jacqui Urlich
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Over 20 years’ experience in finance and banking. Began her career as an accounts clerk while studying at the University of the South Pacific, completing a Bachelor of Commerce.
Previously served as CFO of CINSF before joining Capital Security Bank as Finance Manager, where she led financial operations and external audits.
Returned to CINSF as CFO and oversees Fund accounting, budgeting, reporting, and financial compliance. Currently working toward Chartered Accountant qualification with CPA Australia.
Michelle Carfax-Foster
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Appointed COO in April 2025 following a career in the banking sector with a strong background in accounting, finance, and financial systems.
Holds a Bachelor of Applied Management (Accounting) and is a provisional member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Works across teams to streamline operations, support decision-making, and strengthen organisational systems.
Our Staff
Experienced professionals dedicated to securing your financial future with expertise in investment management, member services, and regulatory compliance.
Terai Nga
Senior Member Representative
Taraatua Tschan-Toi
Senior Member Representative – Pa Enua (Aitutaki based)
Ellis Tukaroa
Member Representative
Maevarua Denya Trego
Member Representative
Kayva Tauira
Member Representative
Caroline Areai
Senior Accountant
Claudelle Rama
Fund Accountant
Shona Brider
Assistant Fund Administrator
Julie Ariihee
Assistant Fund Administrator
Ihaka Eru-Harris
Business Investment Analyst
How CINSF Works
Understanding the journey of your superannuation from contribution to retirement benefit.
1
Contributions
Employers and employees make regular contributions based on salary. Currently both contribute 5% of gross earnings, which is credited to the member’s superannuation account.
2
Investment
Contributions are invested in professionally managed portfolios designed to grow retirement savings over time.
3
Account Growth
Your balance grows through ongoing contributions and investment returns throughout your working life.
4
Benefits
When you reach retirement age or meet eligibility criteria, you can access your accumulated savings through pension payments or other benefit options.