‘It’s the love you’ve given and the lives you’ve touched’

At the age of 89, Vaine Puapii Elia is a pillar in the Cook Islands community and has lived a life of service, promoting culture and advocating for women.

“Leadership is about serving others, not yourself”, Elia said.

“I do it because our culture deserves to be upheld and shared with the next generation.”

Her years of dedication have not gone unnoticed, and she has been awarded the King’s Service Medal (KSM) for the 2025 New Year Honours.

“I am so honoured. I didn’t expect this, but it happened, and I am so glad.

“It’s not the medals or titles that matter. It’s the love you’ve given and the lives you’ve touched.”

Foundation built on culture and faith

Born in 1935, Elia was raised in a small village called Ruatonga in Rarotonga.

Elia’s nine siblings were all raised by aunties and uncles, and she was adopted and raised by her mother’s biological sister.

Her aunt worked as a school teacher and was among the few Cook Islanders awarded a government scholarship to study in Aotearoa.

Vaine [blue] and her six children. Photo/Apii Jack.

Elia said her upbringing in Rarotonga deeply influenced her values for family, community, and culture.

“Growing up in Ruatonga taught me the importance of working together, of living with humility, and of always putting God first.

“Our culture is not just something we celebrate – it is something we live every day.”

A secret love

In late 1956, Elia moved to New Zealand after working in the Cook Islands Treasury Department for six years.

The move was initially encouraged by her adoptive mother, who wanted Elia to pursue teaching and studies, but Elia had a hidden motive.

“My [adoptive] mother and the families didn’t know that my boyfriend [at the time] would be coming with me. So she allowed me to come and study.

Vaine eloped with her lover to Auckland, NZ. Photo/Apii Jack.

“But before getting into the boats, she found out … when she saw, she went to the police to stop us, but it was too late. Everybody knew about it, and then we were in the boat and out to the main boat, Maui Pomare.”

Elia married her [now-ex] husband and had seven children: six children and one adopted child. She has a large extended family with 67 descendants, including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She lived in New Zealand for over 20 years before she returned home to look after her mother and took her youngest daughter, Apii Jack, with her.

Leadership in the Cook Islands community

Elia’s experience in treasury and administration has been instrumental in her community leadership roles, both in the Cook Islands community in New Zealand and abroad.

In 2005, she supported Pacific students at Massey University and translated five academic papers into the Cook Islands language. In the mid-2000s, she volunteered at the Cook Islands Consulate in Auckland.

Since 2008, Elia volunteered with the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ōtara and in 2011, she began advocating for housing rights at the Ōtara Citizens Advice Bureau, a role she still holds at 89.

Vaine with Rosie Blake former Cook Island co-Consulate [right]. Photo/Apii Jack.

Since 2013, Elia has served as President of Te Pua Inano, a Cook Islands cultural group in Rotorua, organising cultural events, including Cook Islands Language Week and International Women’s Day. Her daughter, Apii Jack, praised Elia's leadership.

“I’m fairly certain that there are not many other 89-year-olds being the president of a Mama’s group or cultural group.

“She used to do the treasury and presidency because she worked in the office. Many mothers in her group haven’t had that kind of background in terms of work. So they rely on her, and she is currently in the process of training someone.”

In 2018, Elia donated 150 sarongs to the Cook Islands Students Association to support the student dance group.

Recognition and awards

Elia’s contributions have earned her wide recognition.

In 2018, she was honoured as Mama Rangatira (Elder Woman of High Rank) for her contributions to arts and crafts.

The following year, she was named Vaine Rangatira (Woman of High Rank) by the Cook Islands Consul General and celebrated as a Local Hero of Ōtara by the Ōtara Business Association.

“I’m blessed with family, faith, and a community that trusts me. That’s more than enough for a lifetime," Vaine shared. Photo/Apii Jack.

In 2023, she received the Volunteer Appreciation Award from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

A legacy of faith and service

While her family is the cornerstone of her life, Elia says her strength comes from God.

“Without faith, I wouldn’t have survived the trials I faced or achieved the blessings I’ve received.“I’ve faced hardships, but always tell myself: if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

“I’m blessed with family, faith, and a community that trusts me. That’s more than enough for a lifetime.”

Elia finished with some advice to younger generations.

“Never forget where you come from. Respect your culture, your family, and yourself. And always keep your faith strong.”