"I thought being Prime Minister of the Cook Islands for 10 years was the ultimate. But this is more demanding, and in many ways, more pleasurable and more rewarding," Henry Puna said.
"I'm enjoying this job so much. It'd be nice to continue in the role. It's up to how I can perform over the next year," Puna said.
While Puna is optimistic that he will lead the regional body for another term, the decision rests on the regional leaders.
"I'm employed by them, and I'm answerable to them. So whatever the leaders decide, that's what will happen," he said.