As a difficult year strained by hardship and challenges draws to a close, Cook Islands News wants to reflect on many things to remember in a year some would rather forget.

With that in mind, your newspaper is proud to launch the inaugural Cook Islander of the Year 2021 award.

The award recognises people for exemplary service, commitment and contribution to community, and nation building.

The award is open to anyone in our community, from volunteers to politicians, and anyone in between.

Cook Islands News publisher John Woods said: “The real heroes in any community are often the unsung individuals who are seldom in the limelight and are never recognised nor honoured for their work. These are people we are looking for as we create this new award designed to salute our real heroes.”

Nominations open today and will remain open until December 18.

Details and criteria for individual nominations can be found on our website www.cookislandsnews.com under the Cook Islands News Awards tab and will also be published in the newspaper.

Finalists will be announced on December 20 – public voting, through our online platforms and manually, gets underway on the same day and closes on December 30.

An independent judging panel will then decide, based on votes, and criteria set by the panel, who will be the winner of the inaugural Cook Islander of the Year 2021 award.

Newspaper editor Rashneel Kumar said: “The Cook Islander of the Year 2021 award is an opportunity for our readers to nominate and recognise their heroes for their tireless contributions to the community during this tough year.”

“We are looking forward to reading your submissions and wish the best of luck to everyone entering!”

Entries close on December 18, 2021, at midnight.

Completed entry forms can be dropped off at the Cook Islands News office in Tupapa Maraerenga or emailed to editor@cookislandsnews.com.

The person you are nominating must be a Cook Islands Permanent Resident to be eligible for this Award.