Joint Release: Celebrating World Oceans Day 2022

Ocean government agencies and organisations with students of Rarotonga

Hundreds of school children, members of the public and visitors gathered at Taua Terevete Park on Wednesday 8 June to celebrate World Oceans Day, bringing together government agencies, civil society, industry, research institutes and the public.

The government agencies organising World Oceans Day included Marae Moana (Office of the Prime Minister), Ministry of Marine Resources, Ministry of Transport, National Environment Service, Seabed Minerals Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration, and Infrastructure Cook Islands. 

The presentations, booths and interactive activities helped to raise awareness about the different ocean-related issues, such as plastic pollution, which the National Environment Service addressed through interactive games to stress the importance of sorting waste and disposing of it correctly so that it will not end up in the ocean.

Takitumu School students who were transported to the event on the Rehab Bus.

Prime Minister Mark Brown made a video statement viewing the event as a day “to come together and reaffirm our commitment to protecting our ocean, not just for today, but also for tomorrow – for our children and grandchildren.”

“I am proud to acknowledge that in the Pacific, our leaders have long held a commitment to working together to protect our ocean in a manner that resonates with our unique vulnerabilities, our cultures and traditions, and our social, economic and environmental landscape,” he continued.

“Here in the Cook Islands, we understand the vital importance of our ocean to our security, our prosperity, and indeed to our very survival.”

Prime Minister Brown's World Oceans Day 2022 video

Prime Minister Brown reflected on the role that everyone plays in protecting the ocean “Importantly, our Marae Moana brings together all the sectors of our society so that we are taking action collectively. Our government, Aronga Mana, religious leaders, civil society, business community and our people all have an important role to play in our Marae Moana.”

For more on Prime Minister Brown’s speech, click here.

Students of Rutaki School getting amongst World Oceans Day 2022

Pa Metua's also enjoyed World Ocean Day 2022

There was also a special tribute to Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust Director and former National Environment Service Director Joseph Brider, who recently and tragically passed away.

“Joseph had a true curiosity for understanding the wonders of the environment we live in – and generously shared his wealth of knowledge with others. His passing is a huge loss to the Cook Islands, and to the Pacific region. My thoughts and well wishes go to his family and loved ones,” said Prime Minister Brown.

Joseph Lawrence Brider (Director of Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust)