In Memory of Eruera (Ted) Te Whiti Nia

Our founder and friend...

26 September 1949 — 9 June 2016

Kōrero O Te `Ōrau is an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) incorporated in 2017, consisting of Cook Islanders who are passionate about protecting the culture, environment and natural resources of the nation.  Kōrero o te `ōrau in Cook Islands Māori translates to "knowledge of the sky, land, and sea".  Team members hail from diverse backgrounds with expertise ranging from Geography, Marine Biology, Climate Change, Fisheries Management, Policy, Cook Islands Land Tenure, Psychology, Communications, Accounting, Information Technology, and traditional knowledge of Cook Islands culture.  Languages: Cook Islands Māori (various dialects), English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese, and Tagalog.

Ph.D. Marine Biology (Florida Institute of Technology, U.S.A.)

Expertise includes Climate Change, Marine Ecology, ciguatera poisoning, and traditional knowledge.

B.A. Marine Science (University of Hawai`i, U.S.A.)

Expertise includes Marine Science, Communications and Management.  Passionate about the environment, languages, and providing support for indigenous people especially through youth education programmes.  One of 200 Leaders selected representing 33 countries in the inaugural Obama Foundation Leaders: Asia Pacific Convening for 2019 - 2020.

Passionate about music, culture, and working with youth to grow in always including spiritually.

B.Sc. Geography (University of Otago, New Zealand)

Expertise includes Environmental Impact Assessments and policy development.  Passionate about traditional plants and medicines.

New Zealand-certified Chef

Expertise includes preparation of traditional Cook Islands cuisine and food preservation techniques; passionate about utilizing local ingredients and reducing the dependency on imported foods.

B.Mgt Accounting (University of Lethbridge, Canada)

Expertise includes Accounting, Auditing, IFRS & IPSAS accounting standards & Performance Auditing.  Passionate about family and caring for traditional places.

Bachelor of Applied Management in Accounting

(Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand)

Passionate about youth support and sports.

MEMBERS

B.A. Political Studies (Victoria University of Wellington)

Cook Islands dance choreographer and tutor passionate about Cook Islands Culture & Performing Arts and the preservation of our cultural heritage and natural environment. Co-founder and lead tutor of Te Manava Ora o te Ivi Maori (creating learning spaces for children of Cook Islands Maori descent to be immersed in Cook Islands Culture through the medium of Cook Islands Performing Arts).

Expertise includes Cook Islands birds and traditional knowledge of navigation.

Cook Islands Boatmaster, PADI Divemaster, ISLA Open Water Lifeguard, Red Cross CPR/!st Aid.

Cook Islands Boatmaster, PADI Divemaster, ISLA Open Water Lifeguard, Red Cross CPR/!st Aid.

Expertise in traditional dancing and chants; passionate about photography and videography.

Expertise includes Information Technology and Communications.

Expertise includes Cook Islands land tenure and legal issues.

Artist and Designer

Passionate about Cook Islands culture and supporting indigenous people in looking after their environment and natural resources; keen to help tackle the global plastic pollution problem.

Teacher - Avarua Primary School (Cook Islands)

Experience teaching in New Zealand, including lead teacher on the environment at Oturu Primary (a green gold environmental school); passionate about teaching and learning through environmental interactions for our children to recognize, understand, and learn about the impacts we are having on our Paradise.

Ph.D. Candidate
Expertise includes Marine Science and Fisheries.

M.A. Geography (University of Hawai'i)

Environmental and marine science qualifications and background in both the government and NGO sectors; supports Te Reo Māori as a first language for Cook Islanders as part of their broader and deeper understanding of the Cook Islands environment and culture.

Qualified chef

Expertise includes preparation of local Cook Islands Māori foods.

Owner and Skipper of Raro Reef Sub

Interests include environmental conservation and education.

Passionate about living sustainably and utilizing the natural resources around us to nurture our families.

Cook Islands Traditional voyager and Contemporary Solution-Maker

Passionate about recommissioning traditional customs and practices for solutions to global problems.  An advocate and teacher of environmental education, national and regional developmental issues and gender equality in maritime. 

Accounts Manager for JTA Group

Studied Secretarial Science in Alberta Canada; passionate for family and Cook Islands culture and music; advanced pianist in the classical and contemporary styles.

Expertise includes Cook Islands Māori culture, especially composing traditional songs, dances and chants.

Broadcaster at Radio 531pi (Auckland, New Zealand)

Expertise in media and public relations spanning 30 years in the Cook Islands and New Zealand; passionate about Cook Islands Māori language, cultural and environmental issues; conservationist and environmentalist focusing on education awareness in our communities.

Cook Islands Certified Chef

Passionate about local and traditional food preparation as well as promoting Cook Islands culture.

B.A. Economics (University of Auckland)

Expertise in offshore finance; Takitumu born-and bred, an idea girl and avid reader actively seeking positive role models; passionate about all things Cook Islands including banana poke as well as making a difference; Vaima`anga Homework Hub volunteer.

Bachelor of Laws (University of Auckland)

Former Legal Adviser in the New Zealand Government and Cook Islands Government as Deputy Solicitor General; currently in private practice.  Passionate about the well-being of our Ipukarea because "it nurtures us, so we much nurture it back."  Believes that we must put policies in place now for smart management of so-called development.

Passionate about protecting our natural environment and ensuring human development does not compromise ecosystem functions.

Passionate about protecting our natural environment and ensuring human development does not compromise ecosystem functions.

Huge supporter for the revival and education of authentic and indigenous knowledge and traditions of the Cook Islands; passionate about teaching and educating our youth the importance of our culture and the environment and how they work together; hoping to bring Cook Islands culture and language to mainstream education and society.

Film maker & Waterman

Passionate about documenting and sharing stories from the Cook Islands, especially with a focus on the marine environment; loves sustainable and selective spearfishing, free diving and 'oe vaka paddling.

Traditional voyager & welder

Passionate about sharing traditional knowledge on wayfinding and canoe making with the next generation.

Takitumu Primary School (Secretary)

Passionate about our Cook Islands culture, environment, food, sports, traditions and youth.

Ariimoana (reef walk tours)
Experienced free diver & Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver; passionate about the marine environment and educating our people and visitors alike about respecting our resources.

Student at the University of New England, Australia (B.A. Human Geography)

Passionate about the revival of traditional and cultural Māori knowledge and practices for her children; supporter of sustainable and earth-friendly practices; desires for her family to embrace Te Reo Māori as part of their broader and deeper understanding of being a descendent of the indigenous people of this land.

Film maker & 'Oe Vaka Paddler

Passionate about our marine environment and protecting the ocean and reef in the Cook Islands; of Aitutakian and Manihikian decent and has represented the Cook Islands in 'oe vaka paddling.

B.A. Political Science (Victoria University in Wellington); MBA (University of the South Pacific - Cook Islands)

Expertise in management, planning, and organising; passionate about serving the Cook Islands community to improve the well-being of our people and promoting good governance.

Associate of Arts & Sciences - Mathematics (Brigham Young University - Hawaii)
Experienced math tutor; passionate about being apart of the education journey of our youth.

SCUBA Instructor

Experienced free diver; passionate about sharing love for the marine environment.

B.A. Policy Studies

Engaged in the tourism industry; passionate about learning the Cook Islands culture and proudly promoting to Japanese friends; fluent in Japanese.

Volunteer Firefighter / Mechanic / SCUBA Diver

Passionate about photography and supporting the Cook Islands community through volunteer work.