New Zealand continues its support to education in the Cook Islands
For over 25 years the New Zealand Government has provided support to the Cook Islands education sector and today an arrangement for the next three years was confirmed at a small gathering at Ngatipa.
The Secretary of Education Sharyn Paio, school principals, staff of the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders were present to launch a three-year commitment to education to the value of $9,525,000.
New Zealand’s funding will be aimed at ensuring all children are in school and completing basic education; an increased number of children are able to read and write; and young people are appropriately skilled to participate in the labour market.
These educational outcomes are being sought across the Pacific in an attempt to raise educational standards overall. Pacific nations are being encouraged to also strengthen links to the New Zealand education system.
New Zealand High Commissioner Hon John Carter says the new arrangement will be indicative of the high level of trust and confidence that the New Zealand Government has in the Cook Islands education system to deliver quality outcomes for learners.
“Education in the Cook Islands is a stand out amongst Pacific Nations and this is linked to three key factors – good leadership, sound financial management and comprehensive planning,” Mr Carter said.
“These factors enable the New Zealand Government to enter into a higher level funding arrangement and our focus moving forward will be on supporting the sector as a whole, rather than small one-off projects. This is the type of arrangement we would like to work towards in other sectors and I am pleased that we can work with the education sector in this way”.
The New Zealand High Commissioner also congratulated Sharyn Paio on her reappointment as Secretary of Education.
“In my short time in this role I have had the pleasure of assisting Mrs Paio to work with education stakeholders in New Zealand in order to strengthen education in the Cook Islands. Her drive to constantly improve outcomes for learners is admirable and I look forward to continuing to work with her”.
The recent merger of the Department of National Human Resource Development with the Ministry of Education was recognised..
“I wish all Ministry of Education staff the best as you settle into your new building in Nikao”, said the New Zealand High Commissioner.
“At this time I would also like to recognise the work of Frances Topa-Fariu for tertiary education over the past years. Her departure is certainly a loss for education, but there will be many gains for the Cook Islands Red Cross as she takes up her role as Secretary General”.
Entertainment was provided by music students from Hamilton Boy’s High School in New Zealand who are currently touring Rarotonga and playing at several venues on the island.

Herald Issue 608 21 March
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