The New Zealand High Commission in Cook Islands held a signing ceremony earlier this month with the successful recipients of the 2024/2025 Round of the New Zealand High Commission Fund.

The theme of this latest round was Manaakitanga or Ngakau aro’a, with a focus on projects that look to strengthen the community and community bonds, NZHC said in a statement.

The High Commission received a total of 28 applications from across the Cook Islands and congratulated the following successful applicants:

• Amuri Vainetini, which will use its funding to continue to support its Homecare Services for the elderly, sick, bedridden and vulnerable in Aitutaki
• Rakahanga School, to support the provision of Cook Islands Traditional Musical Instruments
• Aitutaki Aquatics Club, for the delivery of the ‘Learn to Swim Aitutaki’ project on swimming and water safety for parents and toddlers, youths and adults for beginners and advanced swimmers.
• Cook Islands Aquatics Federation, for the delivery of swimming and water safety programmes in Mangaia, Atiu and Mauke
• Faingaitu Ariki Tribe, to support renovations to the Fare Vananga (Meeting House) in Manihiki
• Pokoinu Tapere, to support renovations to the Pokoinu Community Meeting House in Rarotonga
• Palmerston Island Administration, to strengthen bio-security monitoring in Palmerston through the provision of a boat
• Centre of Excellence in Information Technology – CEIT, Cook Islands, support to the STEM programme ‘Code Avengers’ in engaging youth with a focus on coding and robotics
• Pride Cook Islands, to support the promotion and delivery of the Anuanua 2025 Pride festival celebrations
• Cook Islands National Council of Women, to support the delivery of the biennial National Women's Conference 2025
• Te Ipukarea Society – TIS, to support the Maine Mura awareness campaign, educating students on women’s health and menstrual cycles and promoting access to reusable feminine hygiene products (period undies) across Rarotonga, Mauke, Pukapuka, Mangaia and Atiu.
• Te Are Manu Vet Clinic to support veterinary services, including training for Agriculture Officers, across Mauke, Mitiaro, Atiu, Mangaia, Manihiki, Penrhyn and Pukapuka.

“Our thanks to everyone who applied, and Happy Holidays. A further announcement on the criteria and application process for the next round of our fund will be made in due course,” New Zealand High Commission said.