Cook Islands Development Agency NZ

30/09/2026

Meitaki korereka Kaiata Kaitao for your words of encouragement to our māpū to enrol and participate in the political election process!! Ae, government determines priorities and policies that impact us every day - we help shape and influence policies and priorities by voting!! Sumaringa noti teia manako akamāroiroi e teia rangatira 👏🏾💗💪🏽

30/09/2026

FUN FACT 👀🇳🇿
Young people are one of the least-engaged age groups when it comes to voting in Aotearoa New Zealand.

At the 2023 General Election, only 74.2% of enrolled 18–24-year-olds voted — compared with 84.9% of those aged 70+.

Your voice matters. Your vote is your voice. 🗳️

For the 2026 General Election, voting starts 26 October 2026, with Election Day on Saturday 7 November 2026. Enrolment closes 25 October 2026.

DON’T KNOW HOW TO VOTE? 👀
No stress — click the link below to find out how 🗳️👇
HOW TO VOTE IN NZ Click here →

https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/about/overview/free-and-fair-elections/facts-about-new-zealand-elections

attention

27/09/2026

🌺 A big week for our Cook Islands community!

After arrivals last week and move-in day yesterday, the C.I.C.C. Youth Convention officially opened today at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau.

Thousands of māpū of all ages have travelled from the Cook Islands, Tahiti, Australia and across Aotearoa for 9 days of faith, culture, fellowship and connection. 🙏🏽❤️

Kia Orana and a warm welcome to everyone who’s made Auckland home for the convention! 🌺

21/09/2026

What a privilege it was for our CIDANZ Whānau Ora Navigators team to facilitate this month’s Mangere Community of Practice gathering.

Our time together was spent getting to know the people behind the roles. We shared the origin of our names, reflected on what our colleagues can rely on us for, and explored the unique strengths and problem-solving skills each person brings to the table. It was a simple but powerful reminder that strong outcomes for whānau begin with strong relationships between those who walk alongside them every day.

These monthly gatherings are always a highlight. They create space for learning, connection, collaboration, and collective wisdom. It is a space where we can openly share challenges, celebrate successes, and strengthen our commitment to serving our communities well.

A heartfelt Meitaki Maata to Tatou Collective for welcoming us into such a safe, supportive and trusting environment. We are grateful to stand alongside so many passionate Navigators who continue to champion the aspirations of whānau across our communities.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we create lasting change.

10/09/2026

07/09/2026

🎓🌺 Taokota’i’anga(TAK) Conference 2026 | Our Mapu Leading the Way

We were honoured to be present at this year’s TAK Conference in Dunedin and to witness firsthand the incredible work being carried out by our Cook Islands university students from 3 universities -

1. AUCISA (Auckland)
2. VIUWCIA ( Wellington)
3 OCISA (Otago) - Host for conference

Our insight into the TAK Conference was truly inspiring. It was amazing to see three Cook Islands student associations come together to revive a historic programme that has been running for almost 50 years.

After being paused due to COVID-19, TAK was revived last year by VIWCIA at Victoria University, and this year was carried forward and hosted in Dunedin by the Otago University Cook Islands Students Association (OCISA).

TAK is more than just a conference. It is a space where our young people connect, learn, lead and build relationships that can carry forward into their communities. What makes this even more meaningful is knowing that many TAK alumni are now leaders within our Cook Islands community around the world.

A massive Meitaki Ma’ata to you all for allowing our small team to be witnesses to the amazing work being carried out by our students. It was inspiring to see our Mapu take responsibility for the entire TAK programme, demonstrating leadership, initiative and commitment, while also seeing that there is a strong support system in place for our young people as they navigate university life.

Another beautiful part of TAK was seeing that these associations are not only for Cook Islands students. We saw many non-Cook Islands students come along and participate in the activities, which was truly heart-warming. It showed us that our young people are opening their doors, sharing our culture and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome🤝🏽.

And to this year’s host association, OCISA Otago University Cook Islands Students Association, Meitaki Ma’ata for your hospitality, your warm welcome and your open hearts. Be proud of what you have achieved, we certainly are proud of you. ❤️

For any of our young people who are considering university and would like to connect with a Cook Islands Students Association, please reach out to us:

📧 [email protected]

We can help guide you into these spaces and connect you with the associations available at universities around Aotearoa.

And as Lili-Mae so powerfully said:

“If you’re going to study at university and they don’t have a Cook Islands Students Association - MAKE ONE.”

🔥 That is the challenge we leave with you today.

Our Mapu are already leading the way. Now it’s your turn.

Kia orana, kia manuia, e kia tupu to tatou reo, peu e te tu Tangata. 🌺

29/08/2026

Cook Islands Leadership Development programme CHAMPS- Team Vaka Tuitui Moana🫡🏆🥇