University of Auckland, Cook Islands govt explore future prospects for education opportunities

Cook Islands government and the University of Auckland are discussing about the educational opportunities in the future. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team recently visited the university's campus.

Study in New Zealand: The University of Auckland and the Cook Islands government have come together to understand the future prospects of educational opportunities. They are aiming to build Pacific-led research together.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and his delegation were welcomed by the Dean of Science Professor John Hosking, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Pacific), Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Frank Bloomfield.

The Prime Minister and his team discussed the Pacific-led research in various disciplines and educational opportunities.

Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau commented, "Given the University has a huge depth of expertise. There was great potential in research partnerships, developing capability and collaboration with the Cook Islands."

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"It was a great honour to host Prime Minister Brown’s delegation and she welcomed the opportunity to strengthen relationships," said the Professor.

Prime Minister Brown said he wants the Pacific Island nations to deliver high environmental, economic and transformative benefits and achieve both sustainability and prosperity for future generations.

“Strengthening relations and developing future collaborations within the Pacific, is key to creating greater opportunities and improving outcomes for our Pacific peoples. Your very presence, Prime Minister Brown, demonstrates a strong commitment to what we are trying to achieve for our Cook Islands and Pacific Islands Region - Pacific-led Research - and the exploration to co-establish initiatives that will serve to uplift our communities," added Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau.

Auckland University Cook Islands Students Association celebrates 40th anniversary

"During the visit, Prime Minister Brown and his delegation also had the opportunity to meet with the Auckland Cook Islands Student Association, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the contributions of Cook Islands students and alumni in New Zealand and emphasised the importance of educational and cultural connections between the Cook Islands and New Zealand," said the statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Government of the Cook Islands.

Kaiārahi for the Faculty of Science Teariki Tuiono said, "It was an honour and a privilege to welcome Prime Minister, the Honourable Mark Brown and Mrs Brown; Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Mrs Tepaeru Herrmann, Corporate Support Director Seabed Minerals Authority, Ms Beverly Stacey, and Deputy High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Mrs Amelia Fukofuka-Murare, says Tuiono. Our Cook Islands students Purotu Raju, Lisi Malia-Pereira, and Teagan Taripo were so thankful and grateful for the experience."

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