Three-day expo at Te Tapora Kai brings together students, scientists, traditional knowledge holders and climate researchers from across the Cook Islands, with close to 1,900 students expected to attend.
The Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown, this morning officially opened the 2026 Climate Change Cook Islands (CCCI) Science Expo at Te Tapora Kai, Punanganui Market, launching three days of exhibitions, presentations and community learning under the theme “Te Moana Ripiri Ia Tatou – The Ocean That Connects Us.”
The Expo, running from 22 to 24 September, is hosted by the Climate Change Cook Islands Office within the Office of the Prime Minister, with the support of Takamoa College. It brings together 24 government and non-government exhibitors, including 11 international partners and 13 national organisations, with students from all 10 schools on Rarotonga, and student and teacher representatives from all five schools across the Southern Pa Enua, who have travelled to Rarotonga to take part. Close to 1,900 students are expected over the three days.
In his opening address, the Prime Minister spoke of the significance of this year’s theme. “This theme reminds us that although we are islands spread across a vast ocean, we are deeply connected: through our people, our culture, our environment, and our shared responsibility to protect the future of our nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister linked the Expo to the Cook Islands’ long tradition of knowledge and discovery. “The Cook Islands has always been a people of knowledge and innovation,” he said. “Long before modern technology, our ancestors understood the stars, the ocean, the winds, and the environment around them. They navigated across Te Moana Nui with courage, wisdom, and respect for nature. That knowledge remains part of who we are today.”
He noted the steady growth of the Science Expo since it began. “We are proud that these expos continue to grow,” the Prime Minister said. “From the first national expo in 2022, which brought together thousands of people from across Rarotonga, to the inspiring 2024 Mangaia Expo that united almost the entire island community, these events have shown the power of learning, participation, and togetherness.”
Speaking directly to the students in attendance, the Prime Minister encouraged them to make the most of the three days. “Ask questions. Explore new ideas. Talk to the exhibitors,” he said. “Some of you may become future scientists, researchers, engineers, teachers, innovators, or leaders for our country. The ideas you discover here may help shape the future of the Cook Islands.”
The Prime Minister formally declared the Expo open following a Turou welcome from Pa Enua students, an opening prayer led by Takamoa College’s Rev. Marsters, and the screening of a new short film, Te Moana Ripiri Ia Tatou (The Ocean That Connects Us), by filmmaker Josh Baker. Exhibitions continue daily from 8.30am, with an Open Community Expo Session on Wednesday 23 September from 12.30pm to 3pm, a school presentation session and movie night that evening, before the Expo closes on Thursday 24 September.
The Government acknowledged the Green Climate Fund and the UN Environment Programme for their support of the Expo, and thanked the schools, non-government organisations, government agencies and community members who worked together to bring the event to life.
