Three New Zealand-based Cook Islanders were awarded the King's Service Medal for their dedicated service to the Cook Islands and Pacific communities.

Rouruina Emile-Brown, a leader in Auckland’s Cook Islands community, was awarded the King’s Service Medal for services to the Cook Islands community. Vaine Puapii Elia, who has been president of the Cook Islands cultural group, Te Pua Inano, since 2013, was also awarded the King’s Service Medal for her services to the Cook Islands community. Teremoana Terepai, who has volunteered in the Tāmaki community and supported her Cook Islands community in Auckland, was recognised for services to the Pacific community and seniors.

In an interview with Cook Islands News, Emile-Brown said: “I’m deeply grateful to be nominated, it is a blessing. I am still processing the news and feel very humbled.”

She paid tribute to all who had supported her journey.

“I did not arrive here on my own, many more deserving Mama’s, Papa’s and leaders of this award, they have paved the way with me … they are the true recipients too. I had wonderful examples in my life and this award recognises them,” Emile-Brown said.

“I have been a vessel and the arms and legs of the vision of our people, I’ve played a part and I’m grateful for a part. This award recognises my small part in a much greater vision set by our community leaders and our parents who want a better world for their families.”

According to Pacific Media Network, Emile-Brown’s work included professional and community roles, focusing on empowering women and the Cook Islands community.

She defined her service and community work with three words – “love, faith and people”.

Emile-Brown said serving was a “pleasure and privilege” she hoped to continue.

“I don’t see it as a job. Service is not easy and it can be very lonely … what I’ve found through the work I’ve done is purpose, meaningful purpose, and identity.

“I’ll continue to (serve) because it does make me happy and it fills my life, it fills my soul.”

Rouruina Emile-Brown’s work include professional and community roles, focusing on empowering women and the Cook Islands community. SUPPLIED/ 25010327

Born to parents of Manihikian and Rarotongan descent, Emile-Brown was born in Rarotonga and completed school in Aotearoa.

She worked for government in community development roles in Auckland and across the country.

In 2015, she became the chief executive officer of the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) and led the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic, coordinating care packages, food, and critical supplies for South Auckland families.

Emile-Brown said they had to listen to what people wanted.

“We knew that in order for us to have a stronger sense of understanding about where we wanted to be into the future, we needed to know where our people were, what was important to them.”

The organisation took three years to develop the Cook Islands Strategic Development Action Plan, and Emile-Brown said their vision also included education and cultural goals.

“We wanted to have an early childhood total immersion (Ta’i Tamaiti Turanga Rangatira ECE) here in Auckland, and we were able to open up one about three years ago.

“The last part was a cultural centre. Since Covid hit, everybody and everything got parked … I’m hoping with our new CEO (he can) bring that back to the fore.”

Emile-Brown has also been a key leader in the Auckland Social Sector Pacific Collective, supporting community organisation CEOs as well as government organisations seeking Pacific community interaction.

She had worked with women’s group Vaine Tini in Auckland and sponsored Te Maeva Nui New Zealand, an annual cultural celebration.

Emile-Brown is also passionate about entrepreneurship, and wanted to see more Pacific people starting businesses.

“If I could encourage our people and our young people (it is) to do more and to start even if you don’t think that it’s going to be yours.

“I’d love to see more of our young people take their creative skills forward. I’d love to see how our cultural capital can start to be a part of that everyday offering business in this country, because I believe that our Pacific people have amazing content, unique content.”

Emile-Brown believed entrepreneurship could play a major role in improving outcomes for Pacific communities and women, and wanted to see young women and existing networks collaborate to build entrepreneurship and business confidence.

“I believe that women are the backbone of the community and I think they could absolutely be the backbone of entrepreneurship as well.

“I want our community to feel like they’re shaping the future of the place that they now call home.”

• RK/PMN