Jon Jonassen

Jon Tikivanotau Michael Jonassen (24 July 1949 – 2023) was a Cook Islands civil servant, diplomat, composer, and political scientist. He was the Cook Islands' High Commissioner to New Zealand from 1997 to 1999.

Early life and education Jonassen was born in Rarotonga and grew up on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. He was educated at Arorangi School, Ararua School, and Tereora College in the Cook Islands, and Mount Albert Grammar School in New Zealand. In 1987 he was appointed director of programmes for the South Pacific Commission, serving as acting secretary-general in 1989. In 1991 he returned to the Cook Islands to become secretary of the new Ministry of Cultural Development.

Academic In 1993 he returned to Brigham Young University–Hawaii as a professor of political science. He took a leave of absence from 1997 to 1999 while he was serving as Cook Islands' high commissioner to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. He is also a composer, and has composed more than 500 songs, including Mou Piri, and E Tai Roimata.

Recognition He was made a member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Cook Islands culture and the public service in the 2014 New Year Honours.