Following 464 nominations across five categories, the finalists have been confirmed and it is now over to the public to decide this year's Kia Orana Champions. Now in their fourth year, the awards continue to grow from strength to strength, attracting more than 12,000 votes within the first 24 hours of public voting.

Nominations closed Tuesday 8 September and voting is now open until 12pm, 22 September 2026.

Grounded in our Kia Orana Values, the People's Choice Awards celebrate people who live those values every day. These are Kia Orana through the warmth of every welcome, Meitaki through service and hospitality that consistently goes above and beyond, and Mana Tiaki through the care shown for our culture, community and environment. This year's nominations came from around the world, including Switzerland, Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, a reminder of how far the reputation of Cook Islands hospitality is travelling, and a great achievement for us to celebrate.

“We felt so welcomed. He shared the island with us and introduced us to many of the locals who make Aitutaki so beautiful. We have found a forever friend and can't wait to return next year,” said one visitor about an Aitutaki host, describing a connection that went well beyond the holiday.

Cast your vote and help celebrate the Kia Orana Champions who bring our values to life across the tourism sector. Five categories, 25 finalists, five awards. Your choice!

“In our little paradise there is so much to experience,” says Noeline Mateariki, Director of Sales and Marketing at Te Mato Manava Tūroto. “You can do as much or as little as you like and these nominations show just how much is out there to discover, and it is our people who make those experiences special.”

“It is also great to see some past winners continuing to be recognised, as well as individuals from the same businesses nominated. For our Pa Enua, we're pleased to see representation from both our southern and northern island groups this year. Together, the finalists reflect the diversity of tourism throughout the Cook Islands.”

Meitaki ma'ata to everyone who took the time to nominate. Every nomination represents someone who made a lasting impression, and 464 nominations is certainly something worth celebrating. Now it's over to the public. Once again we're asking our community and our visitors to help decide this year's winners.

Your 2026 Finalists

Twenty-five finalists — five per category — now progress to the public vote:

Tangata Kave Karere o te Mata'iti — Tour Guide of the Year

Bruce Mack — Big Fish Raro

Jamie Teu Rees — Jamie’s Aitutaki Tours

Maria Henry — Kutekute Tours & Transfers, Aitutaki

Papatu Jack — Koka Lagoon Cruises

Temaruata Tearaitoa — Koka Lagoon Cruises

Aka'epaepaanga i te To'a — Hospitality Hero

Firaz Faiyaz — Castaway Resort Rarotonga

Joe-Marie “Jam” Magpantay — Kai & Co. Eatery

Jodie Gollop — The Manea Spa

Litia Wong — The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Miimetua “Mii” Pauka — The Islander Hotel & Spa

Akono'anga i te Mana Tiaki — Mana Tiaki Guardian

Alex King — Te Ara o te Akau

Brennan Panzarella — Muri Environment Care

Danny Mataroa — Highland Paradise Cultural Centre

Kathrine Reid — Tivaevae Collectables

Dr. Teina Rongo — Kōrero o te 'Ōrau

Tangata Kite Karere o te Pa Enua — Pa Enua Ambassador

Alan Nanai — Aitutaki

Daisy Maui-Matakino — Atiu

Juliana Marsters — Palmerston

Kaina Kaina - Manihiki

Kalan Turia — Aitutaki

Tangata Akatupu i te kite o'u — Innovation Icon (NEW for 2026)

For the first time, a new Innovation Icon category shines a light on individuals who bring fresh ideas and new approaches to tourism, from the tools they use to the way they blend traditional knowledge with modern practices.

Charlie Jnr Hosking — Tiare's Muri: Recognised for creating a hub that brings together great local cuisine and music, while finding new ways to connect musicians, genres and audiences.

Eipuatiare Arthur — The Creative Centre Rarotonga: Recognised for breathing new life into the Creative Centre, empowering people living with disabilities and impairments and transforming how its clients connect with the wider community. This includes opening the Centre to visitors as a place to experience and celebrate the creativity of its people.

Glenda Tuaine — Motone Productions: Recognised for blending traditional knowledge with contemporary creativity to develop local talent and showcase Cook Islands stories through the performing arts. Her work includes BCI Opera in Rarotonga, Divas in Paradise, concerts, comedy nights and the acclaimed documentary Taonga, featuring Master Carver Mike Tavioni.

Juanita-Louisa “J-Lo” Vaikai — Coco Brush: Recognised for bringing fresh creative experiences to the island through new concepts including sip-and-paint, pottery and ei katu making.

Kat Jensen — Studio Blue Café / Autism Cook Islands: Recognised for creating an inclusive environment where people with autism can express themselves, build confidence and be recognised for what they bring to the community.

How to vote

Voting takes place exclusively on the official Cook Islands Facebook page facebook.com/theCookIslands

Vote for your favourites by simply reacting (like, love, care, etc.) to their photo. You may vote for as many finalists as you like, but you can only vote once per finalist.

Voting closes at 12pm (CKT) on Tuesday 22 September 2026, with winners celebrated at a special event to be held at the Office of the Prime Minister and then announced on social media on Friday 25 September 2026.

For more information, visit cookislands.travel/pca

Prizes

Each category winner receives the title of Kia Orana Champion, recognising them as someone who brings the Kia Orana Values to life every day. They will also receive an Experience Package valued at approximately NZ$500, featuring experiences contributed by Cook Islands operators. The Pa Enua Ambassador winner additionally receives a $500 Air Rarotonga flight voucher (Southern Group, subject to availability) and a minimum three nights' accommodation in Rarotonga to attend the Awards ceremony.

Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month

The 2026 People's Choice Awards are part of Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto — Tourism Month, alongside Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama (Tourism Woman of the Month) and Te Arata'a o te Pae Tūroto (Youth Tourism Pathway Programme), and support Te Mato Manava Tūroto's wider work under the Te Kaveinga Mana Tiaki o te Ipukarea, Destination Stewardship Plan.

Ends

For Media Enquiries Contact
Kelly Hansen

Te Mato Manava Tūroto — Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

E: [email protected]   P: 87 896

About Te Mato Manava Tūroto

Te Mato Manava Tūroto (Cook Islands Tourism Corporation) is the national tourism organisation responsible for destination marketing and tourism development in the Cook Islands. It works with industry, government and communities to promote the destination, strengthen tourism capability and enhance the visitor experience. Building on this role, the corporation is placing greater emphasis on destination stewardship, supporting the industry's long-term success while caring for the culture, environment and communities that make the Cook Islands unique.