17th June 2026 marked a historic milestone as we launched the Cook Islands’ first endorsed Policy for Positive Ageing – Rauti Para 2026 – 2030
The spirit of the day was truly special as our beloved pa metua came together to celebrate, witness, and be part of this beautiful occasion. From singing the classic Māori songs we all know and love, “Tupu’anga Ruperupe”, “Te Maara Nei Au” to dancing and simply being present in the moment, they reminded us exactly why this policy matters
Drawing on consultations held across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, the Policy identifies six priorities that will guide action over the five-year period
These priorities are:
Inclusion – Older people are active, connected, and understood.
Health – Older people remain in the best possible health.
Care – Older people can access care and support when they need it.
Income – Older people are financially secure.
Protection – Older people are safe and protected.
Respect – Older people remain valued and can age with dignity.
These priorities provide the compass for how government, communities, service providers, and partners will work together to support positive ageing across the Cook Islands
We want to say a meitaki ma’ata to our donor partners, ADB in the Pacific and UNICEF Pacific, for supporting this important work. Meitaki ma’ata also to the dedicated working group, government agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders, service providers, and communities across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua who helped create this policy. Meitaki ma’ata also to our Are Pa Metua maidens for bringing the joy and spirit to the launch.
We dedicate this policy to all our Pa Metua, past, present, and future, whose wisdom, strength, and legacy continue to guide us every day.
Te aka’atinga nei matou i teia kaveinga ki to tatou au Pa Metua, ko ratou tei moe, ko ratou te ora nei e ko ratou te ka tu mai i teia au tuatau ki mua. Ko kotou tei rave maroiroi ma te ruru i te au kite pakari, tei riro ei kokoti’anga meitaki e te arataki mou ia matou i te au ra.
A copy of the Policy is available to be downloaded below: COOK ISLANDS NATIONAL POSITIVE AGEING POLICY 2026-2030_compressed
