Honouring those who have served, uplifted, and shaped our nation. Recognising the contributions of Cook Islanders whose work, leadership, and commitment continue to define who we are and where we are going.
Te Tango Rau Maire o Avaiki is the Cook Islands’ national awards system, established to formally recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our people, our country, and our shared future.
Grounded in our cultural values, these awards honour those who lead with humility, serve with purpose, and inspire others through their actions.
This is a platform to celebrate the very best of who we are as a nation.
At the heart of these awards is grounded in cultural values:
Te akamaro’iro’i i te iti tangata.
Honouring those who serve, uplift, and inspire.
Through this national recognition, we:
Celebrate service, leadership, and contribution
Strengthen our sense of identity and nationhood
Share the stories of those shaping our future
Inspire the next generation of Cook Islanders
These awards are not just about recognition — they are about affirming the values we want to see in our society.
The Cook Islands National Awards System is the formal national framework established to recognise exceptional service, achievements and contributions of Cook Islanders who have distinguished themselves in service to our people, our country and our shared future.
The Act establishes:
• An awards system that reflects our unique cultural values
• A National Awards Selection Committee to oversee nominations and recommend awards to Cabinet
• Clear categories of awards
• A process for awards to be conferred by the Prime Minister acting on the advice of Cabinet
The system complements the New Zealand Royal Honours system within the Cook Islands context.
This relaunch signals the continuation of a national tradition of recognition grounded in merit, transparency and fairness
Community and cultural leaders
Educators and health professionals
Artists, athletes, and creatives
Private sector and business leaders
Traditional leaders and civil society
Cook Islands diaspora
If someone has made a meaningful impact, they deserve to be recognised.
The awards celebrate contributions across a wide range of areas, including:
Service and leadership
Cultural preservation and identity
Innovation and development
Environmental guardianship
Education and wellbeing
Representation of the Cook Islands locally and internationally
These are the stories that define our nation.
Submit a Nomination
A simple and accessible nomination process open to all.
Shortlisting
A Selection Committee reviews nominations and identifies candidates.
Further Information
Shortlisted nominees are invited to provide additional supporting details.
Final Selection
Finalists are selected and recommended for national recognition.
Awards Ceremony
Awards are formally conferred at a national level.
The process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based recognition.
Nominations Open: 16 April 2026
Nominations Close: 15 May 2026 at 4pm (GMT-10)
Shortlisting: May 2026
Committee Deliberations: June to mid-July 2026
Awards Ceremony: Early August 2026