Roana Mataitini will be stepping down as the president of the Cook Islands Fijian Association at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

With the association’s AGM set to be held today, Mataitini said she made this decision based on work and family commitments.

Mataitini has led the Fijian community since 2019, guiding them with immigration and work processes and through the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said her journey had been an eventful one.

“We were a great team of people who shared the same goals of being an organisation to assist Fijians,” Mataitini said.

“There were a lot of new relationships forged with existing ones renewed and strengthened particularly with government agencies, NGOs, private businesses and reconnecting with Fijian pioneers who arrived early into the Cook Islands.”

Mataitini said a lot had been achieved and wished the new committee, to be elected today, the best in their bid to continue with the work that has paved the way for them.

She arrived in the Cook Islands in 2002 and both her children, who are now 15 and eight years old, were born here.

“My husband and children are my pillars of strength every day and always there to share my joys but mostly to pick me up when I am about to throw in the towel of serving. And of course, I can’t do all of this without Christ who gives me strength.”

Mataitini is encouraging all Fijian community members to come together at the AGM, volunteer to take up some roles to serve the Fijian community members, pay subs and have their say in voting for the new executives.

“I believe that the current executive team have done their fair share of work and it’s time for the new, young and energetic team to take the association to the next level.”

She further advised: “Let’s remain united in Christ for prosperity. Know your purpose when working in the Cook Islands.”

“We Fijians are known for the quality of work that we do. Maintain the standards and ensure to make our family and country proud.”

There are more than 2000 Fijians residing in the Cook Islands including children.