Māpū and Language Shaping the Future of Cook Islands Communities
Two national gatherings led by Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) are advancing the implementation of the Aotearoa Cook Islands Communities Plan 2024–2027, strengthening māpu leadership and revitalising Cook Islands language as foundations for long-term community wellbeing.
“When we invest in language, culture, and youth leadership, we strengthen identity, wellbeing, and belonging- not just for today, but for generations to come.”
Ta’i Richard, General Manager, CIDANZ
Across Aotearoa, Cook Islands communities are coming together with a shared understanding that the future depends on how well culture, language, and leadership are nurtured today.
That commitment was brought to life through two recent national initiatives led by the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ), the Ko’anga Māpū Cook Islands Youth Summit and the Cook Islands Language Symposium, both delivered as part of the implementation of the Aotearoa Cook Islands Communities Plan 2024–2027.
Together, the initiatives created space for Cook Islands māpu, families, elders, educators, and community leaders to reconnect with who they are, articulate where they are heading, and take shared responsibility for shaping the future of their communities in Aotearoa.
Māpū shaping their own future
Planned and delivered by the Ko’anga Māpū Youth Advisory Group, the Ko’anga Māpū Cook Islands Youth Summit was intentionally designed as more than a one-off event. Guided by the theme Knowing Your Past and Embracing the Future, it positioned Cook Islands māpu aged 18 to 25 not as attendees, but as contributors and future leaders.
Young people from across Aotearoa came together to explore identity, leadership, wellbeing, language, and civic participation, while also building meaningful connections with elders, cultural leaders, and service providers. Central to the Summit was a clear message from māpū themselves: Cook Islands youth want to be actively involved in decisions that affect their communities.
Key outcomes from the Summit include the development of a youth-led national vision, supported by a 10-year strategic action plan focused on strengthening leadership, cultural identity, and wellbeing. The Summit also laid the groundwork for regional priorities that reflect the diverse realities of Cook Islands māpū across urban and regional communities, alongside aspirations to strengthen connections with youth in the Cook Islands.
Language as the foundation of wellbeing
Running alongside the youth ‘iri’iri kāpua / mahi was the Cook Islands Language Symposium, which highlighted the urgent need to protect, revitalise, and normalise the use of te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani across generations in Aotearoa.
Discussions reinforced that language is not only a tool for communication, but a foundation of identity, belonging, and wellbeing. Participants emphasised that revitalisation is a shared responsibility, carried by families, communities, and institutions working together.
Key focus areas included intergenerational transmission, early years immersion, educator capability, community-led initiatives, and the use of digital tools and storytelling to reach younger generations. The Symposium concluded with a shared commitment to develop a long-term national vision and coordinated action for Cook Islands language maintenance and revitalisation, with regional priorities responding to local needs.
Delivering on the Cook Islands Community Plan
Both initiatives directly advance the priorities of the Aotearoa Cook Islands Communities Plan 2024–2027, which focuses on māpū development, leadership development, and the revitalisation of Cook Islands language as foundations for sustainable community wellbeing.
Early feedback indicates increased confidence among māpu to reconnect with their culture, speak up, and take pride in their Cook Islands identity. Families and elders have welcomed spaces that centre language, culture, and youth voice, contributing to a renewed sense of collective responsibility across generations.
Partnership enabling community-led outcomes
Support from MSD’s Pasefika Proud initiative was critical in enabling both gatherings. Funding supported culturally grounded, inclusive, and community-led delivery, including participation from across Aotearoa and the Cook Islands, and engagement with respected cultural practitioners and educators.
Importantly, this support underpins a sustainable model for continued delivery, aligned with Pasefika Proud’s vision of thriving, safe, and successful Pacific families.
Looking ahead
CIDANZ is now focused on the next phase, consolidating insights and turning collective kōrero into action. This includes the preparation of a post-event accountability report, the development of a youth vision and strategy, and a longer-term language revitalisation framework underpinned by a national vision for te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani in Aotearoa.
Plans are also underway to repeat both the national Youth Summit and Language Symposium every two years, with activities outlined for the next 12 to 24 months to ensure momentum is sustained and progress tracked.
