'We're opening the door': Young Cook Islanders call for new generation of leaders

For Sammy Mataroa, a first-time parliamentary candidate, running for office is not just about winning. He wants to inspire more young Cook Islanders to believe they can help shape the country's future.

Mataroa, running in the upcoming general election for the Democratic Party, says he hopes to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. He wants to show that young people can step up and make a difference in their communities.

Joining him in that message is Democratic Party candidate Davina Hosking Ashford, who is standing for a second time.

Although representing different constituencies, both candidates say they hope their campaigns will encourage more young Cook Islanders to become involved in leadership and public service.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Mataroa first returned to Rarotonga as a child, then moved back permanently in 2013.

"My granddad sent me back because he believed that there wasn't enough here for me. He felt there wasn't enough education and there wasn't enough here to help me get through in life," Mataroa said.

Young Cook Islanders are being encouraged to see leadership and public service as opportunities to help shape the country's future. Photo/Supplied

"When I came back in 2013, I was old enough to make my own decision, and I stayed."

Over time, Mataroa became increasingly involved in his community, particularly through mentoring young people facing difficult circumstances.

"I did a lot of the things I've done quietly because I don't feel it should be promoted, especially the work I was doing helping youth who were dealing with trauma," he said.

The candidates say creating more opportunities for young people to lead is key to the Cook Islands' future. Photo/PMN News/Sariah Magaoa

"I still do that quietly today. The best part is seeing their success, seeing the change they've made from the life they've come from into the life they have now. It's rewarding for me. That's what gives me joy."

He said those experiences strengthened his desire to contribute in a broader way.

"For these two, for us to take on people with so much experience, it takes courage," he said. "But we're trying to open the doors for the mapu. We're asking for the vote so we can do that."

Mataroa believes more young people should feel confident stepping into leadership roles.

Davina Hosking Ashford said her own journey began when she left the Cook Islands at 18 to attend university in New Zealand, taking advantage of the opportunity available to Cook Islanders as New Zealand citizens.

"I wanted to leave this country," she said. "I wanted to experience the big city because there's no big city here."

The upcoming general election is expected to bring a new generation of candidates seeking to represent their communities. Photo/Supplied

Although she enjoyed studying overseas, she always intended to return home.

"I felt guilty for leaving, but I also had to leave to save myself," she said. "Because it's built into me to come home, I was dying to come home. There's no place like home."

Hosking Ashford believes young Cook Islanders should be encouraged to gain experience overseas before returning with new skills and ideas.

"Our mapu need to be exposed to the world, but we need to instil in them how to come home," she said.

She said stepping forward as a candidate is about creating opportunities for those who will follow.

"I'm asking for your vote because I need to get in to make way for you," she said. "If I don't get in, it will be 20 years before the next challenger comes along. That will be you. So we've got to get in to make way for you."

Listen to Cook Islands United Party Leader Teariki Heather's interview on PMN's Pacific Mornings below.

Hosking Ashford said she wants more young people to see leadership as something they can aspire to.

"I often hear the words 'for our future generations.' It's a phrase that's become part of almost every speech, almost every policy announcement and every campaign. But perhaps it's time to ask ourselves an important question. If we truly believe in the future generations, when do we begin trusting them to help lead the future?"

Both candidates acknowledged the encouragement they have received from their families, saying that support has helped them pursue public service despite the challenges of campaigning.

For Mataroa and Hosking-Ashford, the message they hope to leave with young Cook Islanders is simple.

"We're trying to open the doors for the mapu. We're asking for the vote so we can make way for the next generation."

This story was first published in the Cook Islands News.