"And when we think about our education system, it must be rooted in our culture and our way of life, and with that, our language."
Dr Teina Rongo, PhD
Dr Teina Rongo is the first Cook Islander to earn a PhD in Marine Biology, awarded by the Florida Institute of Technology. His academic background in marine science underpins his work centering Indigenous Knowledge in scientific research across the Pacific. Beyond his scientific training, he draws on decades of hands-on community and cultural leadership in the Cook Islands, and is a recognised advocate for Indigenous environmental stewardship on national and international platforms. Dr Teina holds a vision for the next generation as stewards of our environments and culture, connecting our people to the land, sea and sky. In 2023, he received the Stars of Oceania Global Moana Climate & Environmental Impact Award, recognising his contribution as a scientist, cultural advocate and community leader, a recognition he dedicated to his wife and fellow KO executive member, Jackie Rongo.
