To honour those who quietly build our community, the Cook Islands established Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki—our very own National Awards rooted in local values and traditions.
Inaugural National Recipients:
Papa Mike (Mitaera Tavioni) — Tui o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: A lifetime of historic contributions as a master carver, writer, and visionary behind the Punanga Nui Market.
Mama Nga (Ngarouru Kokaua-Mokoroa) — Tapairu o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: Six decades of inspiring leadership in Girl Guiding and youth empowerment across our islands.
Mama Mata (Mata Raeina) — Akatauira o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: A lifetime of compassionate care as a registered nurse, bringing comfort to families through illness and grief.
Mama Tuki (Tukiongo Poila Wright) — Pūtokotoko o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: Trailblazing businesswoman and tireless advocate for disability rights and community housing.
Peia Patai & Papa Man (Touariki Unuia) — Ētu Matariki o Avaiki (Stars of Excellence): Immense contributions to reviving traditional voyaging navigation and safeguarding agricultural traditions.
Maara Tetava (Tiatava Ariki) — Rei Arangatū o Avaiki (Public Service Medal): Over four decades of public service protecting our nation as former Police Commissioner and Director of National Security.
COVID-19 Leadership Mace (Taiki Paeru o Te-Atukura): Conferred to Karla Eggleton, Garth Henderson, Dr. Josephine Herman, Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, and Bob Williams for steering our islands through the pandemic.
