Cordelia Boaza has been given the big thumbs up for naming new seabed explorer vessel “Anuanua Moana”.

Cordelia, 12, and a Papaaroa Adventist Year 8 student, was personally thanked by Moana Minerals chief executive Han Smit at an invitation only ceremony marking an official blessing and naming of the ship at Avatiu Harbour on Thursday.

She was also presented with a cheque for $2000 which she plans to use to benefit her school and the wider community.

Following the ceremony, Cordelia said she had a “million names, so why not combine them”.

She said, in entering the name, Anuanua Moana, she thought about “our school, our culture and our God”.

“To be honest, I didn’t believe it when I was told my entry had won.

“We will use the money to help the school and other places in the community.”

Cordelia said Anuanua Moana, translated to English meant The Rainbow of the Sea. 

“We should keep our promises to our friends and family, never be afraid to try new things.”

In congratulating her, Smit said one of the key aspects of preparing the ship for service in the Cook Islands was naming it.

“This is the story of a journey,” he said.

The research vessel will carry a team of scientists to deep-sea discoveries.

School children were asked in to help find a name for the vessel that reflected “the mana of the ocean and the spirit of adventure, discovery and learning we are embarking upon”.

The new name adorns the hull of this newly acquired ship and will be a permanent feature and resource for the Cook Islands and South Pacific region.

Competitors were asked to come up with a name, say why they chose it, and what it means/represents.