Te Arata'a o te Pae Tūroto
The pathway to tourism
Our youth tourism pathway programme helps young Cook Islanders discover the opportunities available within tourism and take their first steps towards a future in the industry.
Through school engagement, scholarships, further education and industry experience, Te Arata'a gives young people different ways to explore tourism and consider where that pathway could take them.
Te Arata’a Scholarship 2027 - Expressions of Interest are now open and close 21 October 2026
What does Te Arata'a o te Pae Tūroto mean?
Arata'a means a pathway, a way or the road towards something good.
When we chose the name Te Arata'a o te Pae Turoto, we wanted it to hold meaning for young people who are beginning to think about where they want life to take them.
There are many pathways available, and tourism is one of them.
Put simply, Te Arata'a o te Pae Turoto means "the pathway to tourism."
Te Arata'a in Schools
Discovering tourism before leaving school
Cook Islands Tourism works with schools and tourism businesses to help students understand the range of careers available within the industry.
The school programme can include:
- Tourism careers sessions
- Kia Orana Values learning
- Guest speakers from the tourism industry
- Visits to tourism businesses and experiences
- Cook Islands tourism case studies and learning resources
- Information about scholarships, internships and future tourism pathways
Contact the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Development team to discuss classroom sessions, industry speakers, site visits or tourism learning resources
Tourism is everyone's business...
Te Arata'a Scholarship
Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Te Arata’a Scholarship are now open!
The Te Arata’a Scholarship supports young Cook Islanders to take their next step after secondary school, continue their education and explore a future in tourism.
You don’t need to have your whole future figured out — just an open mind, a willingness to learn and an interest in where tourism could take you.
How to get started
- Submit an Expression of Interest
Tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in the scholarship. - Complete the online learning modules
Once we receive your Expression of Interest, we’ll send you the learning modules and instructions for the next step. - Application review
Completed applications will be reviewed, with shortlisted applicants invited to the next stage of selection.
Applications close Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Who can apply?
Applicants must:
- be 18 years old, or turning 18 during the scholarship year
- be a Cook Islander or Cook Islands Permanent Resident with a valid New Zealand Passport
- have completed Level 3 secondary education
- have an interest in learning more about tourism and the opportunities within the industry
Previous tourism work experience is not required.
Help shape the next generation in tourism
Tourism businesses play an important role in helping young Cook Islanders discover where a future in the industry could take them.
If your business already offers internships or structured work experience, or would be interested in hosting a young person, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Industry Development team can help you explore what would work for your business.
Contact [email protected] to discuss how you could be part of the Te Arata’a pathway.
What does the scholarship include?
Selected recipients will be supported to undertake tertiary study at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in Auckland, New Zealand.
Scholarship support includes:
• tuition fees
• return international flights between Rarotonga and Auckland
• accommodation while studying
• living support
• ongoing support from Cook Islands Tourism
Meet our Scholarship recipients
Kubethreana Taripo, 2023 recipient
"This journey has opened so many doors and brought opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. I have gone from being a scholarship recipient to an intern and now the Industry Development Coordinator at Cook Islands Tourism"
Eitiare Watson, 2024 recipient
"This scholarship has given me more confidence in my work. I have become more independent, responsible and open to learning. I'm grateful for the experience and the opportunities it has created for my future."
Ellenoah Oti, 2025 recipient
"I've really enjoyed experiencing different areas of the tourism industry, meeting new people and continuing my studies at AUT. This journey has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I'm excited to keep learning and see where this opportunity leads me."
Abel Thompson-Papai, 2025 recipient
"So far, I've really enjoyed meeting new people, exploring new places and growing in confidence. I'm only halfway through my journey, but I'm looking forward to continue to learn, improve and achieve more."
Meitaki ma’ata to our supporting partners
Meitaki to the tourism businesses and industry partners whose sponsorship, mentoring and practical support help make these opportunities possible, including Air New Zealand and Pacific Resort Hotel Group.
The programme has helped previous scholarship recipients move into employment within tourism and continues to create opportunities for young people to explore a future in the industry.
Media Releases
30 Sep 2026: Te Arata’a Opens Pathways into Tourism – Scholarship Expressions of Interest Open for 2027
5 May 2026: Scholarship Recipients Sign Agreement and prepare to Study at AUT
20 Mar 2026: Two Future Tourism Leaders named as 2026 Scholarship Recipients
4 Dec 2025: Celebrating Student Achievement: Tourism and Hospitality
11 Nov 2025: Apply now for Te Arata'a o te Pae Tūroto Scholarship!
1 Apr 2025: Scholarship Recipients Connect with Air New Zealand
13 Mar 2025: New Recipients Announced for Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme
15 May 2024: Scholarship Recipients Thriving at QRC
18 Apr 2024: Future Leaders visit CI Tourism
22 Mar 2024: Te Mato Manava Tūroto collaborates with Titikaveka College
24 Nov 2023: Cook Islands Tourism Leadership Programme Scholarships Awarded to two promising Young Ladies
1 Nov 2023: Cook Islands Tourism launches Leadership Programme to develop next generation of Leaders
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does Te Arata'a o te Pae Turoto mean?
Te Arata'a o te Pae Turoto can simply be understood as "the pathway to tourism".
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Applicants must:
- be 18 years old, or turning 18 during the scholarship year
- be a Cook Islander or Cook Islands Permanent Resident with a valid New Zealand Passport
- have completed Level 3 secondary education
Do I already need to know that I want a career in tourism?
No. Te Arata'a is also about exploration. Applicants should have an interest in tourism and be willing to learn, but we recognise that young people are still discovering where their interests and strengths may take them.
Do I need to have worked in tourism before?
No, previous tourism work experience is not required, but it is an advantage.
Where will scholarship recipients study?
Te Arata'a scholarship recipients will complete a Certificate of Arts at Auckland University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand, city campus.
What costs does the scholarship cover?
The level of support is confirmed as part of each annual scholarship offer and may include tuition, travel, accommodation, living support and study resources.
Will I get work experience?
Industry experience is an important part of the wider Te Arata'a pathway. Opportunities depend on the structure of each annual programme and participating industry partners.
Can students from the Pa Enua apply?
Yes, young people from the Pa Enua are welcome to apply. Applications are welcomed from anyone interested in the Cook Islands provided that they are Cook Islanders, hold Cook Islands PR and a valid New Zealand passport.
How do schools request support to participate in Te Arata'a o te Pae Turoto?
Schools can request support from Te Mato Manava Tūroto - Cook Islands Tourism to arrange tourism career sessions, guest speakers, learning activities and tourism industry visits. Contact [email protected]
How can tourism businesses get involved?
Businesses can participate through career talks, site visits, mentoring, work experience, internship opportunities and other activities that expose students to real tourism careers. Contact [email protected]
