Te Mato Manava Turoto Cook Islands Tourism Corporation’s Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh recently visited Titikaveka College to introduce the concept of Mana Tiaki (sacred guardianship).

Mana Tiaki is related to regenerative tourism which the two are involved in.

The objective of the visit was to also familiarise students with the four pillars of well-being outlined in the current Te Mato o te Akatupu'anga Anga'anga (Cook Islands Tourism Development Strategy).

The presentation shed light on Turanga Tangata (community), Peu Māori (culture), Akono I te Ao Rangi (environment), and Kimi Pu'apinga (commerce), emphasising the importance of these pillars working harmoniously to ensure the well-being of our people and islands.

Each year level is assigned one of these pillars by their teachers, serving as the focal point for their internal Cook Islands Māori speech competition scheduled for March.

“The genuine enthusiasm displayed by the students to learn about Mana Tiaki and its principles, along with the four pillars of well-being, was heartwarming,” they said.

The Mana Tiaki team eagerly anticipates hearing the insightful perspectives the Titikaveka College students will share through their speeches.

“Teia matou i konei no te akameitaki atu i te turanga apii, e koropini nei i teia au tumu manako ma’ata e ā, tei riro ei akapiri anga ki te apii a te  tamariki e apai nei,” (“We are here to enhance the learning environment around these four pillars, which relate to the subjects the students have been taking,”) ina Goodwin ei. “Te akameitaki nei matou i te Puapii Maata, e te tamariki Apii no te āriki mai ia matou kia o'ora atu i tetai au manako puapinga no te Mana Tiaki. Te irinaki nei matou e, kua puapinga ia to matou tuatau i konei i te akamaroiroi i te tamariki kia akono ua atu i to tatou Parataito manea, no te au uki apopo.” (“We thank the principal, teachers, and students for allowing us to share the importance of Mana Tiaki. We hope our time here encourages the students to continue caring for our beautiful paradise for generations to come.”)

As part of the recently refreshed “Love Our Little Paradise” wider initiative aimed at promoting a long-term, sustainable approach to tourism and well-being, the Mana Tiaki team is committed to strengthening a close relationship with both Titikaveka College and other local education providers to guide the next generation in helping to love our little paradise.