Kia Orana tātou kātoatoa,
It has been quite the year for CIDANZ, and as 2024 draws to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on a year filled with milestones, challenges, and opportunities to serve our Cook Islands communities in Aotearoa and beyond. Despite the challenges, your unwavering support, patience and understanding has been the cornerstone of our success – for that we are grateful, meitaki ngao. We share some of our highlights from this year below and a glimpse of some of the exciting events and plans for 2025.
Aere Ra, Aere Mai
Earlier this year, we farewelled long serving CEO Rouruina Emil’e-Brown, who under her leadership, achievement some significant milestones including but not limited to the opening of Ta’i Tamaiti, Cook Islands Early Childhood Education Centre. And while the search for Rouruina’s replacement was taking place, we were fortunate to have interim-CEO Caren Rangi step in to steady and guide our vaka. Caren led the recruitment effort, culminating in the appointment of the new General Manager, Mr. Vaine Tuta’i (Ta’i) Richard, who brings with him vast experience in the public service and community sectors in leadership roles. Together with his passion for the reo and peu Māori Kūki ‘Airani, our Cook Islands culture and language, we are confident in the direction that Ta’i will lead CIDANZ in the coming years. Kia manuia koe e Ta’i.
Ta’i Tamaiti Celebrate
It was appropriate as we wind down for the year that this week on Thursday 19th of December, our tamariki pōtiki, alongside their parents and loved ones, our passionate pūāpi’i / teachers and teacher aides, and our wider staff came together to celebrate our tamariki. As they danced and sang in our reo, it was a reminder of the invaluable role that the Ta’i Tamaiti Turanga Rangatira Early Learning Centre plays in teaching our children their reo tupuna.
The Centre has a number of places available and would like to encourage parents to please consider enrolling your child and/or children with the Centre.
Visit www.taitamaiti.co.nz for more details.
Ākara’anga Ki Te Mataiti Kī Mua
Looking ahead to 2025, there are some exciting and diverse events to come, and we have already marked our calendars with significant Cook Islands and Pacific community events and milestones. These include:
- MAR 8-9: Pasifika Festival
- APR 2-5: Polyfest Festival – Celebrating 50 Years of Pacific Cultural Performance and Arts
- APR 25: ANZAC Day Commemoration – Honoring 10 Years of Acknowledging Cook Islands Contribution to World War I
- AUG 4: Cook Islands Constitution Day – Celebrating 60 Years of Self-Governance
- AUG 3-9: Cook Islands Language Week 2025
- OCT 3-4: Te Maeva Nui Festival NZ
As we close out the year, please take note of our holiday hours for both the CIDANZ offices and the Ta’i Tama’iti Turanga Rangatira Early Learning Centre:
Meitaki atupaka once again for your continued support this year.Like many, we are looking forward to some well-deserved rest, returning with renewed energy, ready to take on the new year!
Until then, we wish you and your families a blessed Christmas, an abundant new years, and a safe holiday season.
Please stay vigilant and keep an eye out for loved ones, whether they’re in the water, on the road, or out in the community.
Nō kōnei atu ia mātou, Kia Manuia e Kia Mataora ī teia Kiritimiti e te Mataiti Ou
Meitaki,
CIDANZ.