Multiple Cook Islands community projects have received a Christmas boost courtesy of the New Zealand High Commission.

Executive assistant to the New Zealand High Commissioner Victoria Williams said approximately $120,000 in grant funding has been allocated to provide support to 11 projects.

The theme for this year, “he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata” translates to “the people, the people, the people” and is based on a Māori whakatauaki, she said. 

“It captures our focus on projects that contribute to community development and well-being, whether this is through supporting children and youth, women, people with disabilities, older persons or any other people or groups in the community, or any activity that brings a community-wide benefit.”    

The grants are part of the New Zealand High Commission Fund which has been in existence for many years.

The New Zealand High Commission received an impressive 58 applications for the 2021/22 round of the High Commission Fund, Williams added.   

The following successful recipients received funding:

▪️ The Cook Islands National Council of Women, for an initiative aimed at reviving the art of tivaivai in communities in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua

▪️ The Cook Islands Child Welfare Association, for a project that will support the provision of plunket services for babies and mothers through child welfare clinics

▪️ Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation, for an initiative aimed at teaching traditional navigation methods and identifying star constellations

▪️ The Titikaveka Community, for a project to remove solid waste around residential properties that can cause a health risk to the community

▪️ Mangaia School Committee, for a play area to enhance early childhood learning through active play

▪️ Mitiaro Sports Association, for a community initiative to support the refurbishment of the Mitiaro Sports Club, which is also used as an Emergency Centre

▪️ Aitutaki Fishers and Growers, to create a local fish market for the Aitutaki community

▪️ The Aotearoa Society, for a project to improve security for visitors to the Aotearoa Marae

▪️ Araki Growers and Fishing Association, for a project to increase food security for the Atiu community

▪️ Te Vananga Are Tapere O Takitumu, for resources towards the preservation of Cook Islands Māori culture and language

▪️ The Cook Islands Ministry of Internal Affairs also received support through this particular fund for the White Ribbon Day 2021 event.