Vaine Manava Tūroto o te Marama
Celebrating the women who make tourism possible
Woman of the Month is an initiative of Te Kumiti Au Vaine, created to recognise and celebrate women making a difference across the Cook Islands.
Each September, Te Mato Manava Tūroto – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation turns the spotlight towards tourism, recognising a woman whose service, dedication and contribution have made a lasting difference to our industry.
Behind the experiences our visitors remember are generations of women who have welcomed, cared, led, supported and worked tirelessly for tourism in the Cook Islands.
Some are familiar faces. Others have spent years quietly behind the scenes.
This is our opportunity to bring their stories forward and celebrate the women who make tourism possible.
2026: Unsung Heroines
This year, we shine a light on the women whose contribution to Cook Islands tourism is not always seen, but is deeply felt.
They are the cleaners, gardeners, security staff, administrators, cooks, drivers and many others who have spent years, sometimes entire careers, working behind the scenes. Through their service, care and commitment, they have welcomed our visitors, supported our people and helped shape the tourism industry we know today.
They may not always have held the biggest title or been the person in the photograph, but the difference they make is felt by the people around them and throughout our industry.
2026 is about bringing those women into the spotlight and giving their contribution the recognition it deserves.
2026 Selection Criteria
Our 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month will recognise a woman who reflects the spirit of an Unsung Heroine through:
- Contribution to tourism – dedicating significant time, energy and service to tourism in the Cook Islands.
- Being an unsung heroine – making a meaningful contribution, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition.
- Going above and beyond – consistently doing that little bit extra for visitors, colleagues, her workplace or the wider tourism industry.
- Positive influence – supporting others and being respected for the difference she makes to the people around her.
- Living our Kia Orana Values – reflecting Kia Orana, Mana Tiaki and Meitaki through genuine care for our people, our culture, our home and the experiences we share with our visitors.
Previous Tourism Woman of the Month recipients are not eligible for selection again, giving another deserving woman the opportunity to be recognised.
This is our opportunity to celebrate the women who have quietly given so much to Cook Islands tourism.
What else is happening during Tourism Month?
Click hereOur Previous Recipients
Over the past three years, Te Mato Manava Tūroto – Cook Islands Tourism Corporation has recognised three remarkable women through Tourism Woman of the Month.
Each has followed a different journey through our industry, but all share a lasting commitment to service, our people and the Cook Islands.
Together, their stories reflect the many ways women have helped shape tourism in the Cook Islands.
Aunty Pai Chambers
Aunty Pai has contributed to Cook Islands tourism and community life for decades. As co-founder of RentRaro, she helped grow a successful locally owned tourism business while remaining deeply connected to culture, community and giving back.
Her contribution extends well beyond business, reflecting a longstanding commitment to hospitality, our people and the Cook Islands.
Her story is one of tourism, community and giving back.
Aunty Constance Halligan
Aunty Connie spent 24 years with Air New Zealand, beginning at a time when just four flights a week connected Rarotonga with the airline’s network. As tourism grew, she remained a steady presence supporting operations and caring for travellers.
Her contribution reflects decades of dedicated service and the important role women like her have played in the growth of Cook Islands tourism.
Her story is one of service, consistency and care.
Aunty Maeva Taruia-Henry
Aunty Maeva has dedicated more than four decades to tourism, with a career spanning Tahiti and Rarotonga, including more than 25 years with The Edgewater Resort & Spa.
Throughout her career, she has supported people as much as operations, sharing her knowledge, mentoring younger Cook Islanders and helping others grow into leadership.
Her story is one of service, resilience and helping others succeed.
Who will join them in 2026?
Aunty Pai.
Aunty Connie.
Aunty Maeva.
Three women. Three different journeys. Three lasting contributions to Cook Islands tourism.
And this September, one more woman joins them.
Another story will be celebrated.
Another contribution will be recognised.
Another woman will have her moment.
Tourism Woman of the Month 2026
Our 2026 Tourism Woman of the Month will be revealed on 23 September, ahead of the official celebration on Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Who will she be?
Media Releases
17 Sept 2025: Cook Islands Tourism is proud to announce Maeva Taruia-Henry as the Tourism Woman of the Month for 2025
2 Oct 2024: Celebrating Women in Cook Islands tourism
2 Sept 2024: Cook Islands Tourism announces Tourism Woman of the Month
