Aitutaki, Cook Islands – December 6, 2024

The 23rd round of Cook Islands Tourism’s Te Vaka O Ru programme, covering July to October 2024, has again recognized the exceptional contributions of local changemakers. This initiative, aimed at promoting community development, awarded funds to three NGOs and a community member, all of whom exemplify enhancement to the well-being of Aitutaki's people, environment, and tourism landscape.

Aitutaki Community Animal Rescue (ACAR) will use its grant to obtain essential resources such as carry cages, first-aid supplies, and pet food. This support will enable ACAR to continue caring for domestic cats and managing the stray population through medical and rehoming efforts. This is especially important given the concerning stray population in past years, estimated at over 5,000, which has since been significantly reduced on the island. Four 'volunteer visitors' who recently assisted the organization were also able to attend the Te Vaka O Ru presentation on the same day, which highlighted opportunities for regenerative tourism that these visitors embraced. We commend them for their positive work while visiting our Ipukarea.

Konifit Aitutaki will use the funding to acquire a portable stage, enhancing their ability to offer dance fitness classes in more locations and host public performances following their high involvement since starting back up earlier this year. The grant will also enable the organization to create promotional materials, like banners and signage, boosting awareness of their available classes which champion wellbeing and culture.

The Religious Advisory Council (RAC) will utilize its grant to cover daily broadcasting fees for its daily radio devotional, and supportive efforts for visiting ministers. They'll also benefit by being able to continue their ongoing shared fellowship event which they had facilitated three times this year. This event upholds our Kia Orana Values and will be held for the fourth time this year on Dec 15 at Araura College Hall, 6:00 pm. Community members as well as visitors are all welcome to join!

Junior Rikiau was honored for his regular efforts in beautifying public spaces such as the fields in his constituency of Arenikau, which is a great example of mana tiaki.

Cook Islands Tourism congratulates this round's winners for truly showing their love for our little paradise.

We encourage any Aitutaki projects that fall under the categories of Peu Maori, Tupuranga Tangata, Turanga Vaerua, or Akono I Te Ao Rangi, to enter for consideration in our next round!

For more information on this round's projects or to submit a nomination for round 24, please contact the Aitutaki Tourism Office:

[email protected] Ph: 31767