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.
What does Te Arata'a 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
Study and industry experience
The scholarship combines learning with exposure to the tourism industry so recipients can connect what they study with how tourism works in the real world.
It also supports young Cook Islanders who are ready to take the next step towards a future in tourism.
Selected recipients are supported to undertake tertiary study and gain exposure to the tourism industry, while receiving ongoing support from Cook Islands Tourism throughout their journey.
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
You don't need to have your whole career figured out. Te Arata'a is also about discovering what opportunities might be right for you.
What does the scholarship include?
Supporting recipients along the way
The scholarship includes:
- 6 months paid internship with world class Pacific Resort Hotel Group
- Full tuition for 6 months study at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Return international flights from Rarotonga to Auckland
- Paid accommodation at Te Ahuru Mayoral Drive, managed by AUT
- Living support
- Ongoing pastoral support
Applications will open end of September 2026!
Check back here soon for full application details.
What else is happening during Tourism Month?
Click herePrevious recipients of Te Arata'a Scholarship
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."
Media Releases
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, 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 ont he structure of each annual programme and participating industry partners.
Can students from the Pa Enua apply?
Yes, applicants are welcomed from any interested in the Cook Islands provided that they are Cook Islanders, Cook Islands PR and hold 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 Cook Islands to arrange tourism career sessions, guest speakers, learning activities and tourism industry visits.
How can tourism businesses get involved?
Businesses can participate through career talks, site visits, mentoring, work experience, internship opportunities and other activites that expose students to real tourism careers.
