Iaveta Short

Iaveta Short was born and raised on the island of Rarotonga, Cook Islands. He spoke Cook Islands Maori and learnt English when he attended secondary school in New Zealand and Auckland University to become the first Cook Islander to graduate in law from Auckland University. He practised law in Auckland and Rarotonga. He entered Cook Islands politics and became a cabinet minister for five years and later Cook Islands High Commissioner for several years. He was chief negotiator for the Government on several projects.

Iaveta is married with three children and nine grandchildren. He spent several years in the business of offshore banking and trusts and is now in property development and hotel/motel development. He spends his time in Rarotonga and Auckland and travels regularly.

He holds a chiefly (Mataiapo) title on Rarotonga and was awarded an OBE in 1995. He has retired from politics and public service and is a successful businessman on Rarotonga.