The Cook Islands police minister, Albert Nicholas, has been removed from cabinet by the coalition government.
Cook Islands Minister of Internal Affairs Albert Nicholas Photo: RNZI/Flo Syme-Buchanan
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The Cook Islands Party member was only recently appointed to cabinet as both the police and internal affairs minister.
Mr Nicholas, who is the MP for Ruatonga Avatiu, was reportedly overseas for health reasons.
No reason has been given for his sacking.
Albert Nicholas has been replaced in cabinet by MP Vaine Makiroa Mokoroa.