‘One of our most trusted leaders’: Tributes flow for a beloved rangatira

Members of the wider Pacific community have taken to social media to leave heartfelt tributes, honouring the passing of Tauraki Rongo Raea, who worked tirelessly to honour and proliferate the next generation and culture of the Cook Islands.

The veteran broadcaster and community leader, who was the producer for the PMN Cook Islands show, passed away at the age of 61 at the weekend.

His ancestral roots ties to the islands of Mauke, Atiu, Manihii and Rakahanga through his father, Ngatoko Rongo, while his mother’s links trace to Mauke, Rarotonga and Tahiti.

Rongo was born and raised in Rarotonga and followed the Seventh Day Adventist faith. He studied in Dunedin between 1983 to 1986, going on to teach Mathematics and Science at Tereora College.

He would then jump into a broadcasting career, becoming a news reader on National Broadcasting Radio and Television Cook islands.

Rongo moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2011, where he served as a broadcaster and producer at Pacific Media Network.

The PMN Cook Islands team paid tribute to Tauraki with a heartfelt message on Facebook, mourning the loss of a monumental figure to the community.

“A devoted father, grandfather, colleague and friend, Tauraki was one of our most trusted leaders, not just here in Aotearoa but also back home in the Cook Islands,” PMN Cooks writes.

“A valued and important member of PMN, Tauraki also connected, represented and advocated tirelessly for his community.

“He was a champion for his people and for Reo Māori Kuki Airani [Cook Islands language].”

Rongo served as the President of the Cook Islands Rugby New Zealand (CIRNZ) organization for four years prior to 2022.

He was also a long-term leader and Language Lead for the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ).

In a Facebook post, CIDANZ paid tribute to Rongo, citing him as a leader, language champion alongside a cultural and traditional knowledge holder.

“He devoted much of his life to the protection, preservation and advancement of our reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani and to ensuring that our cultural knowledge, traditions and identity remained vibrant and strong for future generations,” CIDANZ says.

“At this time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who were privileged to walk alongside him. We stand with them in sorrow and remembrance, holding fast to the legacy he leaves us.”

In a social media post, Green MP Teanau Tuiono also shared condolences on Rongo’s passing, saying the last time he saw him was at Rarotonga airport for a PMN Cook Islands interview.

“As one of our most respected and trusted voices in the community he was crucial in championing and preserving our language and culture across the airwaves.

“I know this loss will be keenly felt both here in Aotearoa and back home in the islands.

I am going to miss our radio talk bro. Thanks for being a real one.”

TVNZ’s Tagata Pasifika team also posted a Facebook status on Rongo’s memory, honouring his endeavour in championing the Cook Islands language in his work.

“As the producer for PMN’s Cook Islands programming, he was central in leading a platform where the language was consistently valued.

“During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, he played a critical role in messaging for the Cook Islands community helping translate essential health information and ensuring Cook Islands people received updates in a language they understood and trusted.

“His service and unwavering commitment to community will not be forgotten.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the wider Cook Islands community.”

For more information on funeral programme and donation details, click here.