Transforming futures: Advocate launches youth initiative on Mangaia Island

A youth worker establishes a group on the Island of Mangaia in the Cook Islands to bring young people together.

In an interview with PMN Cooks, Tuaine Papatua shares the journey he and his late wife, Kathy Papatua, embarked on to establish a youth group called ‘Rock Solid’ on the Island of Mangaia.

Moving from Australia to Rarotonga was not easy for the couple, who had already built a life in Australia. But convinced by Kathy, Tuiane made the leap and the couple packed up their lives for the move.

“We were well-established in Australia; we had bought a house, and our two boys were doing well. We both had good jobs,’’ he says.

“It took two years for us to decide and make the decision to come home, but it was the best move we made coming back home to Rarotonga.’’

Relocating to Rarotonga turned out to be beneficial, as they quickly found themselves involved in youth work.

Before their move, Tuaine and Kathy had been actively engaging with young people through their church, often using their home as a welcoming space for fellowship among the youth.

Their collaboration with a local non-profit organisation, Korero o te Orau - led by Dr Tena Rongo - was pivotal in their efforts.

Korero o te Orau focuses on helping young people learn about Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Rock Solid youth group on the Island of Mangaia. Photo/Tuaine Papatua Facebook Page.

The partnership enabled them to establish a youth group within the Assemblies Of God (AOG) church in Rarotonga, named ‘Light House’.

“I saw the young people on the street when I came back, and a few questions that I asked were, 'How can I help them’?

“I connected with Dr Tena Rongo and Jackie Tena Rongo, and there we started.”

Rock Solid Youth night in Mangaia. Photo/Tuaine Papatua Facebook Page.

Tragedy struck with the passing of Kathy Papatua. Although Tuiane returned to Australia after his wife’s death, he felt a strong pull back to Rarotonga to continue the work they had started together.

During a deep reflection in Mangaia, he recognised the pressing need for opportunities on the island, especially as many young people were leaving for prospects abroad.

Realising this, he sought to collaborate with Rongo to extend their initiatives to Mangaia.

Papatua family portrait. Photo/Tuaine Papatua Facebook Page.

Korero o te Orau already has programmes running in Aitutaki and Atiu, and the establishment of ‘Rock Solid’ will add Mangaia to their roster.

This initiative will bring together various cultural and spiritual elements, creating a nurturing environment for young Cook Islanders.

It aims to facilitate their learning and growth, helping them make the most of the resources available on the island while fostering a strong sense of community and fellowship.

Watch Tuiane Papatua’s full interview on PMN Cooks below.