In support of the Muri Environment Care Group (MEC), Cook Islands Tourism staff Emma Kainuku-Walsh, Regenerative Tourism Coordinator, and Marthalina Opuariki, Tourism Coordinator, actively participated in the MEC Expo held in the first week of October. This event was an opportunity to deepen the commitment to the Cook Islands to "Love Our Little Paradise". Emma and Marthalina proudly shared the essence of Mana Tiaki Values—a philosophy centered around guardianship and sustainability—with visiting tourists, local community members, and school students, inviting them to reflect on their own role in preserving our unique environment.

The expo not only served as a platform for Cook Islands Tourism to promote regenerative tourism but also provided a space for Emma and Marthalina to be inspired by the passionate dedication of others in the community and learn from experts who travelled from overseas to share their knowledge. The event was a vibrant showcase of local expertise and stewardship, where community members set up engaging stalls and presentations to highlight crucial environmental and cultural topics. From discussions on stream health and Cook Islands rich history to the protection of local bird species and the native plants that play a vital role in safeguarding both the land and those that live on it. Emma and Marthalina found themselves immersed in valuable learning exchanges with leaders in environmental care.

More than just an expo, this gathering acted as a powerful convergence of knowledge, values, and community spirit. It emphasized the importance of collective action in nurturing the islands for future generations. For Cook Islands Tourism, it was a timely and impactful opportunity to engage with visitors and residents alike, sparking meaningful conversations around regenerative tourism. Through these interactions, the team sought to empower and educate others on the significance of sustainability, showing how the principles of Mana Tiaki can be woven into every aspect of tourism and daily life. In doing so, we look to continuously build a more resilient and regenerative future for the Cook Islands.

Maori Translation

Kia Orana Tatou Katoatoa, kua rauka tetai tika’anga manea i te turu atu i te angaanga a te Muri Environment Care Group Expo. Kua riro a Marthalina Opuariki e Emma Kainuku i te māta atu i te “Te Mato Manava Turoto” ki teia akakoroanga. Kua rauka ia maua i te apai atu i te mana tiaki porokaramu te ka riro ei akamatutu i te i te oire tangata, te papaa (turoto) te au arataki, tamariki apii e te katoatoa rava tei aere mai ki teia akakoroanga. Kua pumaana te ngakau i te kite anga i te taokotai’anga o te oire tangata, te au mema e te katoatoa rava na roto i te tapa’o atu anga i tetai ngai ei akaariarianga atu i ta ratou au tuanga angaanga. Maata te au manako tei uriuri ia mei roto mai i te au vaa tuatua tei akonoia no te akakite mai anga i te oraanga o te manu, to tatou ao rangi, to tatou ara vai, ka akapeea tatou. Eaa ta tatou ka rave no te akameitakianga atu i teia no te uki ki mua.