‘Come to our level’: Young Cook Islander calls on leaders to reconnect with youth

A young Cook Islands leader is challenging traditional leaders to step closer to youth, saying culture will only survive if the next generation understands its role in carrying it forward.

Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy delivered that message at the Pacific Exchange Forum earlier this month where leaders, environmental advocates, and young people from across the Pacific gathered to discuss climate resilience, culture and the future of island communities.

Tatuava-Enjoy, a former Head Boy of Tereora College, said traditional leaders, including the Uri Airiki, needed to be more visible and engaged with young Cook Islanders.

“My main message was to prompt the Uri Ariki, and challenge them to actually come on our level as youth, and to have a look at what they are doing to strengthen their identities, their roles as traditional leaders, and their presence in society today,” he told Temari’i Koroa of PMN Cook Islands.

“Leadership isn't about status, it is about responsibility.”

Tatuava-Enjoy said many young Cook Islanders understand modern government systems but are less familiar with traditional leadership structures that have shaped the islands for generations.

Tereora College 2025 leaders, from left: Head girl Ellenoah Oti from Anau Te Manga, head boy Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy from Anau Te Manga, deputy head girl Abrihana McBirney-Enoka from Anau Te Manga, and deputy head boy Tuema Areai from Anau Maungaroa. Photo/Cook Islands News/Melina Etches

“Our youth today don't really know the importance of the Aro Mana,” he said. “The only thing we know is the government and what goes on in the Western world.”

He said traditional leadership still has an important role to play but young people need more opportunities to learn from their leaders.

“The greatest gift the traditional leaders can give the next generation is not simply instruction or celebrating our culture but understanding it, mentoring it, the willingness to stand beside us and trust us to carry our culture into the future.”

Ezekiel Tuatea Tatuava, right, with Tetava Ariki from Mitiaro. Photo/Cook Islands News/Supplied

The youth advocate also raised concerns about how tourism and economic development are influencing Pacific cultures.

Tatuava-Enjoy said while tourism brings important benefits, communities must be careful not to change traditions simply to meet visitor expectations.

"We kind of have shifted our culture to suit tourism," he said.

He questioned whether some cultural practices were being adapted for economic reasons and warned that development should not come at the expense of cultural values and environmental responsibility.

He pointed to examples such as visitors not respecting Sunday customs and practices that could place pressure on the natural environment.

Despite those challenges, Tatuava-Enjoy said he remains hopeful about the future of Cook Islands culture.

Listen to Ezekiel Tatuava-Enjoy's full interview on PMN Cook Islands below.

He encouraged young people to become more involved in their families, churches and communities, saying cultural knowledge comes through participation and connection.

"I think my greatest advice to the youth today is to actually get involved in the community," he said. "Want to learn more about our culture, want to learn more about our language and everything."

Tatuava-Enjoy says the relationship between young people and traditional leaders will be key to ensuring Cook Islands culture continues to thrive.

His message is simple: the next generation is ready to carry the culture forward, but they need guidance, trust and a stronger connection with those who came before them.

Maeva Moelagi Becerra-Jackson is completing a journalism internship at PMN as part of her studies at Auckland University of Technology.