Preserving Our Heritage Through Leadership, Knowledge, and Service
E tā I te riu, e rapa i te kō, e pa’u tangi karakia, ka pupui ki te rangi, ei ranga i te unga – ma te potiki’
What We’re Working On
Education & Youth Engagement
We work with partners to ensure education reflects Māori ways of knowing, keeping language, culture and identity at the heart of learning for future generations.
01
Cultural Revitalisation
We revive and sustain Cook Islands Māori knowledge, language and traditions, ensuring our people; especially children, stay connected to their tūpuna and identity.
02
Customary Leadership and Governance
We uphold and strengthen traditional leadership, bringing cultural values into modern decision-making and guiding communities on matters of national importance.
03
Community and Environmental Well-being
We support healthy communities and protect our land, sea and ecosystems, recognising that culture and environment are deeply connected.
04
Our Programs Focus
Established under the House of Ariki, UANKA leads with humility and mana, promoting custom, empowering communities, and preserving the values that shape our nation.
We preserve, protect and promote the cultural heritage, customary leadership, and collective wellbeing of the Cook Islands. Through collaboration with communities, government and institutions, we re-centre our traditions, language and values and embed them into national life.
Support the Future of Cook Islands Culture
UANKA leads initiatives to preserve language, traditions and customary values, ensuring they are carried forward for our children and generations to come. Your partnership helps protect identity and strengthen communities across all islands.
Become a Partner
Collaborate with us to preserve culture, strengthen customary leadership and support initiatives that empower Cook Islands communities. As a partner, you help protect our heritage and build a resilient future for our people.
“Identity is strength.
When our culture thrives, our people thrive.”
We serve at the intersection of custom and modern governance to ensure the legacy of our people lives on and thrives.
Why it matters
In a changing world, our identity and traditions can easily be lost. UANKA serves to bridge the past and the future, keeping our culture alive, strengthening our people, and ensuring the Cook Islands doesn’t just survive but thrives with its distinct identity intact.
Where We Operate
UANKA works across all islands of the Cook Islands and with our diaspora communities abroad. From village leadership to national initiatives, we adapt our approach to honour local customs, strengthen cultural identity, and support the wellbeing of our people wherever they live.
Our Core Values
Guardianship
We protect and preserve our cultural heritage for generations to come.
Indigenous Leadership
We uphold the dignity, wisdom and service of the Ui Ariki.
Ancestral Connection
We honour our genealogies and strengthen identity through our tūpuna.
Environmental Stewardship
We care for our land, sea and ecosystems with responsibility and respect.
Faith
We are guided by our Christian values and spiritual foundations.
Unity
We work together across all vaka and communities to strengthen our nation.
Mana
We respect customary sovereignty within our modern democracy.