May 5, 2026
Unveiled at Rarotonga’s National Education Symposium, the manifesto represents the actionable vision document of the House of Ariki, outlining the need for Indigenous-led reforms grounded in language, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship.
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS (May5, 2025) —A historic cultural education manifesto developed by the Ui Ariki was unveiled yesterday at the National Education Symposium Umea te Maro Kura: Rebuilding Our Future, currently underway in Rarotonga.
Titled E KuraAkataka-Pātoa te Kaku’anga kiAvaiki , the manifesto was developed during a four-day workshop led by the House of Ariki in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Conservation International.
The manifesto details a culturally grounded vision for education reform– emphasising Cook Islands Māori language, traditional knowledge, and environmental guardianship—and was presented to stakeholders as part of the symposium’s opening proceedings.
“The preparatory workshop has been transformative,” said Tou Travel Ariki, Kaumaiti Nui of the House of Ariki. “For the first time, we have collectively articulated our vision for an inclusive education system that places our language, culture, values, and identity at its core while preparing our children for global success.”
Teau Anthony Ariki, President of UANKA, said: “This vision document represents not only our aspirations but also our responsibilities as guardians of our cultural and natural heritage. In a time of climate change and shifting global dynamics, it is essential we strengthen our own resilience.”
The document sets out a culturally grounded vision with actionable recommendations for education, built on Indigenous knowledge, identity, and dual-pathway learning that honours and integrates both traditional values and modern educational needs. Central to this vision is the concept of Mana-Tiaki and KuraTapu —recognising that environmental guardianship is fundamental to Cook Islands culture, and that cultural identity is inherently tied to the natural world and the spiritual environment. Formally blessed in a ceremony on May 1, the framework is expected to inform discussions throughout the National Symposium, which runs until May 9 at the Tereora College Auditorium.
The document outlines sixteen key resolutions relating to curriculum content, pedagogy, system design, and community engagement. Core recommendations include:
- Making Cook Islands Māori language instruction compulsory from early childhood through to secondary level, alongside English;
- Embedding traditional knowledge and practices across all learning areas;
- Promoting experiential learning grounded in voyaging and ancestral traditions.
The workshop was a key milestone in the Ministry of Education’s broader reform agenda, which places indigenous leadership and cultural revitalisation at the heart of educational transformation. The Ministry has worked closely with the Ui Ariki to ensure this partnership shapes both policy and practice, culminating in this week’s National Symposium.
“We are proud to have worked alongside the Ui Ariki in this historic process,” said Owen Lewis, Secretary of Education. “This vision aligns closely with the Ministry’s long-term direction and reaffirms the objectives of our 10-Year Education Masterplan. These insights will help shape a new era for Cook Islands education, where indigenous knowledge is integrated with global learning standards.”
“Conservation International is humbled to support the Ui Ariki and the Cook Islands Ministry of Education in this historic initiative,” said Leausalilo Schannel van Dijken, Senior Director of Marine and Heritage at Conservation International. “The actionable manesfesto developed by the Ui Ariki highlights how indigenous leadership can drive progress in cultural, environmental, and educational resilience.”
The preparatory workshop included contributions from education professionals, former officials, teachers, students, and cultural leaders. Participants undertook a critical review of the current education system, identified gaps in cultural integration, and developed proposals for more holistic, culturally informed models of learning.
The National Symposium, which began yesterday, brings together stakeholders including educators, government officials, parents, students, and cultural experts from across the Cook Islands, Aotearoa, and beyond. Keynote speakers include Sir Ian Taylor, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Professor Nicholas Lewis, Hone Harawira, Kelvin Davis, and Nathan and Yvette Durie—each of whom brings deep experience in indigenous education and cultural revitalisation.
The presentation of the spiritually blessed manifesto at the National Symposium on the opening day set the tone for an impactful week. As noted by an opening student voice, Ezekiela Tuatea Tatuava “Our traditions and language are our compass into the world”—a message echoed by keynote speaker Sir Ian Taylor, who emphasised: “We walk backwards into the future.” He reminded participants that while the future will be shaped by technologies such as AI, our foundations must remain rooted in identity, language, and values. “Digital data will be the currency of the future,” he said, pledging continued engagement and support.
This initiative is co-led by the Cook Islands Ministry of Education and the House of Ariki, reflecting a deep commitment to partnership between traditional leadership and modern governance. It is supported by Conservation International, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Fund, and the Global Environment Facility’s Inclusive Conservation Initiative (GEF ICI). Together, these partners highlight the regional and international recognition of the Cook Islands’ leadership and courage in reimagining its education system to better reflect cultural, spiritual, and environmental priorities.
About Conservation International: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.