The Parliament Clerk in the Cook Islands has been sacked after the cost of building a new debating chamber blew out by over $US222,000.
Tangata Vainerere, the former clerk of the Cook Islands Parliament. Photo: Parliament of the Cook Islands
Tangata Vainerere confirmed to the Cook Islands News that he had been fired last night.
It is understood Mr Vainerere is taking legal advice over his dismissal for "serious misconduct".
"It's because of the cost over-runs. The Speaker gave me a letter on Friday afternoon. I'm gone - out of the place, out of a job," he said.
It is expected that newly-appointed deputy clerk Jeannine Daniel will step up to manage this month's Parliamentary sitting.
Mr Vainerere had been in the role for 14 months.
It's understood the budget blowout was due to lengthening the building, a high-spec septic tank to comply with regulations, an altered roof truss to meet safety requirements, and the payment of labour including subcontracting to the private sector.
Mr Vainerere also admitted to possible legal breaches because of tight timeframes, including not putting all contracts out to tender.