The Cook Islands cabinet will soon decide whether to approve introducing compulsory retirement in the public service at age of 60, and voluntary retirement at age 55.
There's currently no mandatory retirement age in public service legislation or policy, although Cook Islanders are eligible for the old age pension at 60.
Prime Minister Henry Puna has said he wants to commence a process of regenerating the public service, to provide better opportunities for younger Cook Islanders.
In June, the government announced a one-off voluntary retirement package for public servants aged 60 and over in a bid to free up government positions.
Source:
Radio New Zealand International