Kia Puāwai acknowledges and remembers the significant contribution of Matua Tauraki Rongo Raea, who joined us in May 2023 as our Kuki Airani Pasifika Matua Council member through the trust and endorsement of the late Papa Tuau Rorani. 🕊️
Matua Tauraki stepped in at a crucial time to provide Pasifika Matua support for our frontline practice, offering guidance and care to our therapists and to the Cook Islands whānau and rangatahi across our services. His deep cultural knowledge, lived experience, and strong values made him an invaluable presence within our organisation.
Tauraki consistently went above and beyond - supporting Cook Islands Language Week, offering free airtime on his radio show to promote our mahi, representing Kia Puāwai in Rarotonga, and arranging cultural performances for our tari even while overseas.
He was deeply proud of the work being done for Cook Islands communities and gave generously of his humour, energy, and connections. Matua Tauraki's legacy of aroha, leadership, and service will remain a lasting part of Kia Puāwai.
Tauraki will be truly missed, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, mokopuna and wider whānau, and the Kuki Airani community for this profound loss. ❤️