The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce that the Members of the inaugural Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki – Cook Islands National Awards Selection Committee have now been confirmed.
The Selection Committee will oversee a fair, robust and transparent process to consider nominations for the National Awards, ensuring recipients exemplify excellence, merit, and outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Committee Members bring expertise from across Government, business, culture, religion, civil society, and politics:
- Karopaerangi Ngatoko, Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister – Chair
- Myra Patai, CEO, Office of the Public Service Commissioner – Deputy Chair
- Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau, Chair, Chamber of Commerce – Member
- Dr Tuaine Unuia, Clerk, House of Ariki – Member
- Bishop Tutai Pere, Chair, Religious Advisory Council – Member
- Tina Browne, Leader of the Opposition – Member
- Sonny Williams, Cabinet Nominee – Member
- Tangata Vainerere, Clerk of Parliament – Member
- Claytoncy Taurarii, Vice-President, Cook Islands National Youth Council – Member
The Committee’s work begins as nominations open across all award categories. From the Grand Orders, such as the Tui/Tapairu o te Mira Nui o Avaiki for once-in-a-generation impact, to the Premier Awards recognising excellence in public service, social impact, business, innovation, bravery and more.
Prime Minister Mark Brown said the Selection Committee represents the values at the heart of the new national awards system.
“This is about Cook Islanders recognising Cook Islanders. By bringing together respected voices from every part of society, we ensure these awards are grounded in our culture, impartial in their process, and truly national in spirit.”
Chief of Staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko, who will chair the Committee, said Members are humbled by the responsibility.
“Our role is to carefully and confidentially assess each nomination, uphold the integrity of the awards, and recommend to Cabinet the most deserving candidates. We look forward to celebrating the stories of service, leadership, and courage that shine from within our nation.”
Nominations for Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards are now open and close at 4.00pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. Anyone may put forward a nomination, except self-nominations.
The first conferral of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki will take place at a ceremony in November 2025.
For details on categories, eligibility, and how to nominate:
Visit: www.pmoffice.gov.ck/national-awards.
Email: national.awards@cookislands.gov.ck
Call: 25 494
