We would love to get to know you. Please post a short introduction and take the time to read other people’s introductions too. Networking and connection is a really important aspect of all our leadership programmes and one way to start this off is to comment on other people’s posts.
Kei ōu ringaringa te ao
The world is yours.
21 Responses
Kia Orana and Talofa Family!
My name is John, and I am a passionate years 5 & 6 teacher at Apii Arorangi, where I’m fortunate to work alongside a very experienced, collaborative, and fun team who share my passion for making a difference in the lives of our children – the next generation.
I am a Samoan-Cook Islander born and raised in New Zealand before moving to Rarotonga as a teen, where I have learned so much about culture and my pacific roots. My hobbies are music and sports. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, especially around a table with delicious and mouth watering food lol…
Teaching was never a career option I had in mind, but that all changed when I coached the Titikaveka Under 7 mix soccer team. Seeing the children learn new skills, develop their game, having fun and wanting to hang out more after training sessions, and parents expressing their love, support, and appreciation was very rewarding. With that experience and the encouragement by many, I took the opportunity to go through Teacher’s Training and study so that I can Inspire, Empower, and Motivate our young people!
I am extremely excited about being part of this leadership development programme. I see it as a valuable opportunity to grow, reflect, and become the kind of leader our students, schools, and communities deserve. I look forward to learning with and from each of you, knowing that together we will rise to meet the challenges ahead.
Let’s give this journey everything we’ve got — for our children, for our schools, and for the future of our people.
Kia orana and bula vinaka. My name is Dick Josefa Orisi Cama Ratawake. I am originally from Fiji, but I now proudly call the Cook Islands home. My teaching journey began in Fiji, where I taught for two years before accepting a three-year contract at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in the Cook Islands. That initial contract turned into a lifelong commitment, and 25 years later, I continue to serve as an educator at the only Catholic primary school in the country. My passion lies in teaching the lower primary levels, especially Year 1, where I find immense joy and fulfilment in helping young children grow into confident learners. I am excited to be part of this amazing experience.
Kia orana.
Ko te mua Vaka teia o Takitumu, Rangiate! My name is Renall Vogel, and I come from the beautiful island of Rarotonga, Rangiate district of Vaka Takitumu. As a first-time principal stepping into this journey of leadership, I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with an open heart and mind.
Te na mai te irava arataki Isaiah 60:22 “…na Iehova e kapurapura mai……..”I celebrate this journey with the “yes people” and the “I can do it” people—those who push forward with courage and determination.
May we strive to shape our characteristics back into His image—creative, honest, and caring leaders who inspire and uplift others. Looking forward to walking this path with all of you.
Kia orana e kia Manuia.
Kia orana tatou,
Teia te reo o toku tupuna:
“Me kai koe to kou poke, e uri to aro i Manavaara.”
As you embark the ladder of achievement, never forget the humble beginnings that shaped you.”
My name is Annie Kauvarevai, and I’m delighted to be among this young esteemed group of educators who are driven to become the Cook Islands’ next generation of educational leaders. As a proud product of a family with rich legacy of education and a long history of educational excellence. I am honored to be part of this cohort.
My career journey was inspired by the educational values and cultures instilled in me from a young age, particularly by my mother, who selflessly dedicated her evenings to providing extra tuition to students struggling with literacy skills in our home. Her selfless dedication ignited within me a fervent passion to craft nurturing and inclusive learning spaces where students can flourish, reach their full potential, and realize their dreams.
Currently in my 3-year Principalship position at Arorangi School, I’m excited to embark on a program that will empower me with the skills, strategies and mindset necessary to drive excellence and inspire others.”
I believe, strong leadership in the school is about fostering collaboration, building relationships, and creating a vision for the future.
Kia manuia tatou katoatoa
Tangike rava
E reo ikuiku na toku metuavaine kiaku
E taku tamaine
E aru koe i toku rua tapuae
This is my dearest mother’s tears to me
My daughter
Follow my footsteps
Kia Orana kotou katoatoa i te aroa maata o te Atua
Ko Anjima Akereu Ruarau toku ingoa.
I was born and raised on the island of Atiu, where I developed a deep appreciation for culture, community, and the value of education. In 2010, I moved to Rarotonga through a scholarship opportunity to complete my college studies. Since then, Rarotonga has become my home — the place where I met my husband, raised my family, and built my professional career in education.
I am currently a teacher at Takitumu School, where I serve as the Middle Syndicate Leader and lead in the areas of Culture and Māori. My role involves curriculum leadership, helping colleagues, and promoting culturally inclusive teaching practices that support student engagement and achievement.
I am passionate about advancing in school leadership and contributing meaningfully to the future of education in the Cook Islands, with a focus on student success, cultural integrity, and sustainable school improvement.
As my heart always say – Achieving Together In Unity
Kia Manuia teia takainga ta tatou i iki ei meitaki no to tatou au manakonakoanga e pera katoa to tatou patireia
Kia tauturu mai te Atua Mana Katoatoa ia tatou
Meitaki
Mrs 200
Nice to read this beautiful introduction Mrs 200…
I am most excited to be working with you again.
Another mountain we can climb together.
Meitaki,
Paiere
Kia Orana in the Most Holy and Mighty name of our Lord.
My name is Paiere Tangata.
I am a product of intertwined lineage hailing from all 15 islands of the Cook Islands.
Being raised in the Cook Islands, I have learnt the good old fashion way- Watching, Listening, Conversing… People call it Bandura’s Theory, I call it LOCAL KNOWLEDGE!
Today, I am proud to be a teacher. It is an absolute pleasure for me to work with children, build pathways for their future. It is an exciting time for me to learn new things from my children. I always tell people, Being a teacher- the rewards are instant and constant.
Tera ua,
Thank you for having me on this program, I look forward to learning from you all.
Words of Encouragement for us all:
II Timothy 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.
Let us continue working together.
Kia Orana all.
My name is Henrianna, and I live here on our beautiful island of Rarotonga. I teach at Nukutere College, where I am privileged to be part of a passionate and hardworking team of educators.
I was born and raised right here in Rarotonga, and my heart is deeply rooted in this land and our people. Teaching for me has always been more than just a job – it’s a calling. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to spark curiosity, inspire hope, and help shape the future of our young people.
I am beyond excited to be part of this Leadership Programme with all of you. I know this journey is going to challenge us, stretch our thinking, and grow us into the leaders our schools and communities need. I am ready to dig deep, learn from each of you, and embrace every moment of transformation this course brings.
Let’s rise to the challenge together — for our students, for our schools, and for the future of education in the Cook Islands.
Meitaki maata
That is so beautiful, Henrianna. Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt message.
Love it Anna! I cannot wait to learn alongside you and all our colleagues in this program 🙂
“The tree grows from the roots of another tree.
We are shaped by those who came before us.”
Kia orāna kōtou katoatoa.
My name is Uamaki Aberahama Savage, known to many as Ua, and I proudly serve as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Senior Leader for Year 7&8 at Apii Nikao, here on our beautiful island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands.
I hold key Management Units at our school, particularly in Physical Education and Sports, where I am committed to fostering the holistic growth of our tamariki.
I hail from the island of Mauke — the land of Paikea — and I carry with me the values, strength, and spirit of my people in all that I do.
To me, leadership is not defined by the position we hold, but by the legacy we help build for those who follow.
Let us lead through learning, humility, and the courage to listen.
I-E-KO-KO
Welcome to the programme, Uamaki! I absolutely agree about leadership not being about the title we hold.
Kia Orana e Savage Vaine,
Nice to read your introduction. Looking forward to working with you more.
Kia orana to everyone,
My name is Georgina Mataroa and I am a primary school teacher at one of the schools here on Rarotonga, Cook Islands. I am the marae leader (head teacher) in our Year 2/3 class at Apii Nikao. I am honored to be part of this program and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead with all of my colleagues. I take my hat off to all of us that have stepped out of our comfort zone to build ourselves up as leaders not just for us but for our tamariki. To our course facilitators I look forward to learning as much as I can from you all during the time that we have in this program.
Meitaki maata,
Georgina Mataroa
oh nice Gina. Looking forward to working with you and team.
That’s exactly it, Georgina. I love your focus on the child. That is why we do what we do!
Kia Orana e to Iva Nui!
My name is Benjamin Patia, a teacher at Nukutere College. I come from the islands of Penrhyn, Aitutaki, and Mauke in the Cook Islands. From my island paradise of Penrhyn, the Kōtaha (not exclusive to Penryhn, but known to other Poly nations) symbolizes endurance, vision, and the ability to journey great distances with purpose. Like the Kōtaha, I see this programme as a way to expand my reach, strengthen my leadership, and navigate the challenges ahead with clarity and confidence.
To my fellow colleagues here in the Cook Islands, and/or abroad in the programme, let’s rise to this opportunity together. May we lead with courage, serve with heart, and always remember where we come from.
To our lead team, facilitators, and coordinators. We look forward to your teachings, hearing your experiences, and learning from your leadership throughout this journey.
No te Atua e te Ipukarea,
Kia orana e kia Manuia.
Kia Orana Ben.
Looking forward to be part of this team.
You write so poetically, Benjamin! Clarity and confidence are certainly things that past delegates have spoken about when reaching the end of the programme and I hope this is the case for you too.
Kia orana e Tauraatua
I look forward to learning from your teaching practices and experiences
Siaha, Meau.
Looking forward to working with you AGAIN.