Albert Nicholas (Cook Islands)

Albert Taaviri Kaitara Nicholas (born 1971/72) is a Cook Islands politician and former Cabinet Minister. He is a member of the Cook Islands Party. He is the son of former MP Albert (Peto) Nicholas.[2]

Albert Nicholas

MP
Albert Nicholas in 2017
Member of the Parliament of the Cook Islands
Assumed office
9 July 2014
ConstituencyAvatiu/Ruatonga
Personal details
Born1971/1972 (age 48–49)[1]
Political partyDemocratic Party
RelationsAlbert (Peto) Nicholas

Nicholas was first elected to parliament in the 2014 election as a representative of the Democratic Party. He represents the seat of Avatiu-Ruatonga-Palmerston.

In March 2015, Nicholas switched his support to the government of Henry Puna in exchange for a cabinet post.[2] He was made internal affairs minister, with responsibility for the ombudsman, youth and sports, and the Punanga Nui market.[3] He was re-elected at the 2018 election.[4]

On 21 September 2018 Nicholas was sacked from cabinet without explanation while overseas for health reasons. He was replaced by Vaine Mokoroa.[5]

In January 2019, Nicholas was charged in New Zealand with "unlawfully taking a motor vehicle", a rental car. He entered a plea of not guilty the following month, and was released on bail, returning to the Cook Islands.[6] He failed to appear at a second hearing at Manukau District Court on 26 March, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued. He was nonetheless sworn back into parliament on 9 April.[1]

References
  1. "Man wanted for arrest in NZ sworn in as Cook Islands MP". Radio New Zealand. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  2. Phillipa Webb (16 March 2015). "Nicholas jumps to the other side". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  3. "Defecting Cook Islands MP given cabinet post". RNZ International. 26 March 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  4. "Preliminary Results from Votes Counted 14-06-2018". Cook Islands Ministry of Justice. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  5. "Cook Islands cabinet minister sacked". Radio New Zealand International. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  6. "Nicholas enters not guilty plea in NZ". Cook Islands News. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2019.


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