Robert Tapaitau Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
The Cook Islands' deputy prime minister Robert Tapaitau has been removed from parliament.
Tapaitau, former National Environment Service director Nga Puna, and his wife and former Secretary of Infrastructure Cook Islands, Diane Charlie-Puna have been found guilty of "all or most offences" following a judgement given by Chief Justice Patrick Keane.
In his ruling CJ Keane said: "In my decision... I have found each defendant guilty of all or most of the offences with which they are charged, and have convicted them of those offences."
The trio were accused of taking public funds amounting to $70,000 between April 2019 and March 2021.
In a written statement last week, Brown's office said the Prime Minister had been briefed by the Solicitor General on the decision.
At the time, the government declined to comment further, saying it would take time to review the 100-page judgement.
On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Brown said the Tongareva (Penrhyn Island) seat is now vacant and a by-election will be held within 60 days of the vacancy occurring.
"Over the coming days, I will advise on the appointment of a new Minister to Cabinet after discussions with my caucus colleagues."
He said they accept and will abide by the court's decision.
"This case has demonstrated the integrity of our judicial process.
"No person is above the law; our system of checks and balances has not been compromised; and if you are found to be in breach of the law, you will be held to account."
Tapaitau was first suspended in 2022 when the charges were laid, but was reinstated by the Brown and successfully re-elected as Tongareva MP before being suspended again during his trial in July 2023.
Tapaitau resumed his duties as Deputy Prime Minister for the second time in November 2023.
The trio are due to be sentenced in March.
Tapaitau's lawyer Norman George told RNZ Pacific said he was disapointed by the outcome.
"I thought my client, Robert Tapaitau, had a clear way out, that didn't go the way I expected it and overall I'm disappointed, I feel sorry for my client," George said.
George said hsi client is on Tongareva with his family and will return Saturday to Rarotonga.
"Of course he was quite disappointed and I've tried as best as I can to give him comfort."
George earlier said an appeal could not be considered until after the sentencing.