In a celebration of beauty, culture and empowering young women, Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Maoate was also presented the Miss Photogenic and Miss Interview awards at the finale of the pageant that was held at the Waipuna Conference Centre in Auckland on November 30.

Seven young women, aged between 18 and 26, participated in the event, which aimed to develop young women by nurturing confidence, self-esteem and important life skills.

Maoate flew into Rarotonga and Aitutaki last week to reconnect with her family, her heritage, and to express her appreciation to the people of Aitutaki for their support.

Reflecting on the pageant, Maoate is grateful for the “incredible support and blessings” she has received.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured,” she told Cook Islands News.

“It’s an honour and a privilege. I’m so grateful for this amazing opportunity.”

Maoate enjoyed the pageant journey alongside the talented young women.

“It was a very good experience and on the night I gave it all my best. It’s not just an honour but a responsibility,” she said.

Maoate’s highlights from the pageant include becoming more involved in the Cook Islands community, gaining confidence in public speaking and media exposure and enjoying the opportunity to dress up for various events.

With a great Maine Araura Enua support team including chaperone Kirsty Cuthers, Maoate said she was well-prepared in all aspects of the pageant.

“My success is because of your commitment, creativity, dedication and encouragement. You have all worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail of our vision was executed well. I truly appreciate you all - this is our collective success,” Maoate said.

“I’ll be using this platform to bring about positive impact on our communities and I will strive to be a good role model for our young women.”

Ngatepaeru Maoate of Araura Enua (Aitutaki) was crowned Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 30. GERARDUS VERSPEEK/24121603

Maoate was born in Aitutaki on March 14, 2002, to parents Peckham Maoate, also from Ngatangiia, and Tu Maoate, from Matavera. She is the fourth child of six.

Maoate attended Araura Primary School until Year 5. She migrated to New Zealand where she attended Kedgley Intermediate School, then Aorere College until Year 13.

She currently works as a youth support worker in Auckland.

Maoate is grateful to her parents for their love and guidance, to her siblings, friends and family.

“A big meitaki atupaka to my sponsors. Your support has been incredible and enabled me to access resources to represent our beautiful island of Araura Enua to the best of my ability.”

The first runner-up “Maine Etu Kura” in the Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa was Pivai Ambushia Mateariki – Maine Akatokamanava (Mauke), who is also a former Cook Islands dance champion. The second runner-up “Maine Kiva Nui” was Tatyana Nomotu, representing Oire Nikao.

The 2024 Maine Kūki ʻAirani Aotearoa contestants were: Maine Auau Enua - Inano Aniterea, Maine Anuanua - Jenna Te Ariki, Maine Oire Nikao - Tatyana Nomotu, Maine Araura Enua - Ngatepaeru Maoate, Maine Oire Reu - Siniva Talamaivao-Nickel, Maine Takitumu: Keikilani Rea, Maine Akatokamanava - Ambushia Mateariki.