Scholarship Expressions of Interest Open for 2027

Te Arata'a is Cook Islands Tourism's youth tourism pathway programme, bringing together school engagement, tourism businesses, further education, industry experience and scholarship opportunities. It helps young people learn more about tourism, meet the people working in it and discover where their interests and strengths could take them.

The programme is one of three initiatives highlighted during Te Marama o te Manava Tūroto – Tourism Month, under the theme “Celebrating the People at the Heart of Tourism in the Cook Islands.” Alongside Te Iki'anga a te Iti Tangata (People's Choice Awards) and Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama (Tourism Woman of the Month), Te Arata'a looks to the next generation and how the industry can support their development.

“Te Arata'a is about helping young people see the opportunities available in tourism and giving them support to explore those pathways,” says Tina Kae, Industry Development Manager at Te Mato Manava Tūroto - Cook Islands Tourism.

“They don't need to have their whole career mapped out. We want to connect them with people, learning and practical experience that can help them take their next step. We encourage families, schools and our industry partners to share the scholarship opportunity with young people who could be interested.

“We also welcome tourism businesses interested in offering work experience or internships. Our team can help them explore what would be realistic for their business and how they could be part of the programme.”

2023 Scholarship recipients Rakiki Brown and Kubethreana Taripo with Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau, of Air New Zealand and Karla Eggelton, CEO of Te Mato Manava Tūroto – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation

Connecting young people with tourism

Through its work with schools and tourism businesses, Te Arata'a provides opportunities for young people to explore tourism careers through classroom learning, industry speakers, business visits and practical experience.

Te Mato Manava Tūroto is also inviting businesses that already offer internships or structured work experience, or would be interested in hosting a young person in the future, to get in touch.

Current scholarship recipients Ellenoah Oti and Abel Thompson-Papai are continuing their studies at Auckland University of Technology and gaining industry experience, demonstrating how the scholarship connects education with practical opportunities in tourism.

Current Te Arata’a Scholarship recipients Ellenoah Oti and Abel Thompson-Papai

Te Mato Manava Tūroto thanks the tourism businesses and industry partners whose sponsorship, mentoring and practical support help make its youth programmes possible. This includes Air New Zealand and Pacific Resort Hotel Group for their ongoing support of the scholarship programme and investment in young Cook Islanders.

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.

Scholarship Expressions of Interest now open

The Te Arata'a Scholarship supports young Cook Islanders who are ready to take their next step after secondary school, continue their education and explore a future in tourism.

For the 2027 intake, 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 tourism and the opportunities available within the industry.

Applicants begin by submitting an Expression of Interest outlining a little about themselves and why they are interested in the scholarship. They will then receive learning modules and instructions for the next step. Completed applications will be reviewed, with shortlisted applicants invited to the next stage of selection.

Expressions of Interest close Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Te Arata’a supports Te Mato Manava Tūroto’s wider work under Te Kaveinga Mana Tiaki o te Ipukarea – the Destination Stewardship Plan, to ensure tourism benefits our Cook Islands people, culture and environment. By investing in the next generation of tourism talent, the programme carries Tourism Month’s focus on our people into the future.

For more information, visit cookislands.travel/te-arataa-o-te-pae-turoto or contact [email protected]

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.