Chief of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister and chair of the selection committee, Karopaerangi Ngatoko. 25100811
Cook Islanders are being urged to submit nominations for Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards with a week to go before the October 15 deadline.
The Awards celebrate the people who uplift our homes, villages, islands and nation through service, leadership, peu Māori, bravery, innovation and excellence, the Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Chief of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister and chair of the selection committee, Karopaerangi Ngatoko, is urging Cook Islanders not to miss this opportunity.
“Every nomination is a chance to tell a story that deserves to be celebrated. The teacher who has dedicated decades to shaping young minds, the nurse who serves with compassion, the artist, the innovator, the sportsperson, the volunteer, the hero. These are the people we want to honour.”
The Cook Islands National Awards are the first of their kind, providing a uniquely Cook Islands system that recognises outstanding service and achievement across seven categories.
Karopaerangi said the selection committee has already received many inspiring nominations, but encourages every island and community to ensure their champions are represented before the deadline.
“There are remarkable people in every village and every sector who quietly embody excellence. This is our chance to make sure their names and their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Earlier this month, the OPM announced the members of the selection committee, which will oversee a “fair, robust and transparent process to consider nominations for the National Awards, ensuring recipients exemplify excellence, merit and outstanding contributions in their respective fields”.
In a statement, OPM said the committee members bring expertise from across Government, business, culture, religion, civil society and politics:
- Karopaerangi Ngatoko, Chief of Staff, Office of the Prime Minister – Chair
- Myra Patai, CEO, Office of the Public Service Commissioner – Deputy Chair
- Addrienne Hosking-Tinirau, Chair, Chamber of Commerce – Member
- Dr Tuaine Unuia, Clerk, House of Ariki – Member
- Bishop Tutai Pere, Chair, Religious Advisory Council – Member
- Tina Browne, Leader of the Opposition – Member
- Sonny Williams, Cabinet Nominee – Member
- Tangata Vainerere, Clerk of Parliament – Member
- Claytoncy Taurarii, Vice-President, Cook Islands National Youth Council – Member
Prime Minister Mark Brown said the selection committee represents the values at the heart of the new national awards system.
“This is about Cook Islanders recognising Cook Islanders. By bringing together respected voices from every part of society, we ensure these awards are grounded in our culture, impartial in their process, and truly national in spirit.”
Ngatoko said members are humbled by the responsibility.
“Our role is to carefully and confidentially assess each nomination, uphold the integrity of the awards, and recommend to Cabinet the most deserving candidates. We look forward to celebrating the stories of service, leadership, and courage that shine from within our nation.”
Nominations for Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards close at 4pm on Wednesday next week.
