As 2024 draws to a close, locals and businesses in the Cook Islands are reflecting on the past year and setting their sights on the future with fresh resolutions and new hopes for the year ahead.

Tata Toeta, an 80-year-old mother of six, continues to live a life of independence and service to her community.

Living alone in Arorangi and voluntarily caring for stray dogs, Toeta spends her time making traditional head eis, a skill she has honed over 40 years.

“It’s my talent and I have to make use of the land that I am blessed with,” she said while selling her creations at the Punanga Nui Market yesterday.

Despite the challenges of the year, Toeta is optimistic about the future.

“The year has been nothing short of a blessing for me,” she reflected.

Her resolution for 2025 is to keep doing what she loves, encouraging others to use their land to create opportunities, especially as the cost of living rises.

“My new year resolution is to keep having the same strength I have now to keep doing what I love to do.”

As the holiday season brings families back to the island, many are reuniting with loved ones through family reunions while some are simply back on the island to reconnect with their homeland.

Daisy Tauvela, who has returned with her siblings and father, shared her joy at being back on the island.

“We’ve been planning this trip for so long and we’ve finally done it,” said Tauvela, whose mother is a Cook Islander.

Despite wishing her mother could have joined them, she is cherishing the time spent reconnecting with her Cook Islands heritage.

“Being back on the island after so many years is the greatest feeling ever,” Tauvela said, adding that the smiles of locals and the vibrant tourism scene were just as she remembered.

She hopes to make lasting memories with her family before they return to their everyday lives.

Andrew Whittaker, chief executive officer of Island Hotels Limited, which owns The Edgewater Resort and Spa and Club Raro Resort, shared insights on the resort’s performance this year and the company’s commitment to the local community.

“Tourism numbers were very good, especially with a significant increase in Australian visitors and consistent numbers from New Zealand,” Whittaker said.

He noted that the Staycation promotion, which encourages locals to enjoy the resorts’ facilities, had been well utilised, with residents participating in activities like the Coconut Kids Club and daily island nights.

Looking forward, Island Hotels Limited’s resolution is to continue being a leading resort in the Cook Islands’ tourism industry.

“We aim to be a pillar in the community and support local organisations,” Whittaker said.

The company is also focused on becoming more sustainable, with plans to explore eco-friendly ways to manage waste. It has exciting plans ahead, including celebrations marking its 50^th year of trading in the Cook Islands, which will continue throughout 2025.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium is offering a New Year Sale with significant discounts on accommodations and exciting activities for families, including free snorkelling, kayaking and kids’ clubs.

The resort hosted two weddings last week, each attracting over 100 guests, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase their facilities and hospitality.