The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki – Cook Islands National Awards. Recipients will be honoured at a conferral ceremony in Rarotonga on Tuesday 4 August 2026.
Established under the Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki Act 2025 to mark 60 years of self-governance, the awards provide a uniquely Cook Islands platform for recognising service, leadership, and achievement of national significance. 90 nominations were received across two rounds in late 2025 and early 2026. Each was assessed by the independent and non-partisan Cook Islands National Awards Selection Committee, which recommended the recipients to Cabinet on the merit of their contributions.
The inaugural National Award recipients are:
Tui o te Mira Nui o Avaiki and Tapairu o te Mira Nui o Avaiki
The Cook Islands’ highest honour, conferred once every six years for once-in-a-generation contributions of national and historical significance.
- Tui o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: Mitaera Ngatae Teatuakaro Michael Tavioni
- Tapairu o te Mira Nui o Avaiki: Ngarouru Carlson Tuaivi Kokaua-Mokoroa
Akatauira o te Mira Nui o Avaiki Exceptional Service Award
- Mata Elizabeth Raeina
Putokotoko o te Mira Nui o Avaiki Commendable Service Award
- Tukiongo Poila Wright
Rei Arangatu o Avaiki Public Service Medal
- Tiatava Ariki Maarametua Tetava
Etu Matariki o Avaiki Star of Excellence
- Peia Patai
- Touariki Matapo Tuaine Unuia
Separately, the Prime Minister has exercised his discretion under the Act to confer the Prime Minister Leadership Mace – Taiki Pāeru o Te-Atukura, an honour available to the Prime Minister at any time and outside the Selection Committee process. In recognition of commendable leadership and service during the Cook Islands’ COVID-19 response, this year’s Mace recipients are Karla Eggelton, Garth Henderson, Dr Aumea Josephine Herman, Bob Williams and Elizabeth Wright-Koteka.
Chair of the Selection Committee and Chief of Staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko said the recipients reflect the breadth of Cook Islands excellence.
“These are Cook Islanders who are preserving our heritage, driving sustainable development, excelling in education, advancing health and wellbeing, and representing us with pride on the regional and international stage. Their stories shape who we are and where we are going as a nation.”
“Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki was created to celebrate that excellence in a way that reflects our values, traditions, and culture.”
The Selection Committee brings together nine members from across Cook Islands society: the public service, the House of Ariki, the Religious Advisory Council, the National Youth Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Clerk of Parliament, a Cabinet nominee and the Leader of the Opposition.
Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown congratulated the inaugural recipients.
“These awards belong to the Cook Islands people. Each recipient has earned this honour through the difference they have made in their community, their profession, and their country. I congratulate them all, and look forward to celebrating their achievements alongside their families and loved ones on 4 August.”
Formal invitations are being issued to recipients and their families, and further event information will be publicised in due course.
