Cook Islands Marks 61st Constitution Day with Inaugural Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki Awards

The Cook Islands today marked its 61st Constitution Day with a historic national celebration honouring both the journey of the nation and the people whose service has helped shape it.

Held at the National Auditorium, the occasion commemorated 61 years since the Cook Islands became a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965.

This year’s celebration carried added significance with the inaugural presentation of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki, the Cook Islands National Awards.

For the first time, Cook Islanders were formally recognised through a national awards system created by the Cook Islands, grounded in Cook Islands values and expressed through names that reflect the language, identity and heritage of its people.

Established under the Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: Cook Islands National Awards Act 2025, the awards honour those whose exceptional service, leadership and achievements have strengthened the nation and enriched the lives of its people.

At the heart of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki is the principle:

Te akamaro’iro’i i te iti tangata.
Honouring those who serve, uplift and inspire.

The inaugural recipients represent many areas of Cook Islands life, including culture, health, public service, youth development, traditional voyaging, community leadership, women’s empowerment, agriculture, the arts and national security.

Together, their stories reflect the many ways a nation is built through lives devoted to protecting knowledge, caring for others, strengthening communities, creating opportunities and serving without expectation of recognition.

President of the Cook Islands National Youth Council and youth representative on the National Awards Selection Committee, Lisiane Messine, said the awards marked an important moment for both the nation and its young people.

“For the first time, we are honouring our own people through our language, our values and a framework that belongs entirely to us. This is important,” Ms Messine said.

“To my generation, the generation of today and tomorrow, today is a reminder that excellence is not something we only find overseas or in someone else. We see it here, in our own people.

“I hope every young Cook Islander who hears the names of today’s recipients will believe a little more in themselves and realise that if our people can achieve great things, so can you.”

The inaugural recipients of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki are:

• Mitaera Ngatae Teatuakaro Michael Tavioni, recipient of the Tui o Te Mira Nui o Avaiki, for exemplary and outstanding service, leadership and achievement of historic significance.
• Ngarouru Carlson Tuaivi Kokaua-Mokoroa, recipient of the Tapairu o Te Mira Nui o Avaiki, for exemplary and outstanding service, leadership and achievement of historic significance.
• Mata Elizabeth Raeina, recipient of the Akatauira o Te Mira Nui o Avaiki, for exceptional service, leadership and achievement of national importance.
• Tukiongo Poila Wright, recipient of the Pūtokotoko o Te Mira Nui o Avaiki, for commendable service, leadership and achievement of a high standard.
• Peia Patai, recipient of the Ētū Matariki o Avaiki, Star of Excellence, for significant contributions to Arts, Culture and Humanities.
• Touariki Matapo Tuaine Unuia, recipient of the Ētū Matariki o Avaiki, Star of Excellence, for significant contributions to Social Impact and Sports, and Arts, Culture and Humanities.
• Tiatava Ariki Maarametua Tetava, recipient of the Rei Ārangatū o Avaiki, Public Service Medal, for outstanding contributions to the public service.

Five distinguished individuals were also presented with the Taiki Paeru o Te-Atukura Leadership Mace, recognising their commendable leadership during the all-of-government Cook Islands COVID-19 response:

• Karla Eggelton
• Garth Henderson
• Dr Josephine Aumea Herman
• Bob Williams
• Elizabeth Wright-Koteka

The Leadership Mace was conferred at the discretion of the Prime Minister, separately from the National Awards Selection Committee process.

The first Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki Awards followed an extensive national nomination and assessment process. A total of 90 nominations were received across two nomination periods, with every nomination carefully considered by the National Awards Selection Committee.

Ms Messine acknowledged the work of the Committee and thanked the families, communities and individuals who submitted nominations and brought forward the stories of those they believed deserved national recognition.

She said the awards carry meaning well beyond the ceremony itself.

“When our young people see that our own people are being honoured and recognised for their service, they do not just see an award. They see what is possible for themselves,” she said.

“They see a reason to serve, to lead and to believe that they, too, can make a difference here at home.

“These National Awards celebrate the people who have helped shape and build our nation, while inspiring the next generation to do the same. They remind every young Cook Islander that leadership begins with service.

“An award given well does more than recognise the past. It inspires the future.”

As the Cook Islands celebrates 61 years of self-government, the occasion recognises the courage and foresight of the leaders who laid the foundations of the nation, the generations who have carried that legacy forward and those who continue to serve today.

The Government and people of the Cook Islands extend their sincere congratulations and gratitude to the inaugural recipients of Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki and the Taiki Paeru o Te-Atukura Leadership Mace.

Their service has strengthened the nation. Their achievements have enriched its story. Their example will help light the way for generations to come.