Babies and infants on the island of Manihiki attended “Paunu” where their general wellbeing was monitored (weighed, measured and assessed) to track their growth and development.

According to the Manihiki Tauhunu Child Welfare Association, the 11 toddlers who visited the clinic in August are healthy, and their immunisations are up to date.

Following Paunu, the children and their parents/guardians hit the beach helping to net “ava” or milk fish for everyone to enjoy.

On Rarotonga, the Paunu Day on Tuesday this week at the Ruatonga Clinic welcomed six babies.

Mothers and their babies were treated to a cooked brunch of freshly picked pinapi and noodles, and bananas.

Today it will be held at the Matavera Tuarai Clinic, Tikioki Clinic in Titikaveka, Akaoa Clinic in Arorangi, Rangiura Clinic in Nikao and the Tutakimoa Clinic.

Paunu Day is run by the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association.

Susan Sadaraka, the Child Welfare Association executive officer, encourages mothers, families and caregivers to take their babies along to Paunu.

Sadaraka says the Paunu is also an opportunity to discuss immunisations and any concerns about tamariki (children).

She also welcomes feedback from parents about Paunu Day.

Last month, Carol Breading, who was visiting Rarotonga from Aotearoa New Zealand, donated handmade warm beanie hats for babies.

The Child Welfare Association’s vision is for safe and better health care for babies, motherhood and fatherhood in the Cook Islands – Ora’anga meitaki e te matutu no te Pepe, Mama e Papa i roto i te Kūki ʻĀirani.