In a powerful display of unity and reverence, the Cook Islands community in Auckland gathered last week to mark a milestone of national and cultural significance: the 10th Anniversary of the Cook Islands ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony.

The ceremony commenced with a moving Karanga and Karakia, led by Te Kei o Tainui through the representative of Te Kuini Nga Wai o te Po in Tāmaki Makaurau, Kuia Ngaire Lasika, and Tainui leaders—Matua Martin Cooper, Matua Rangi McLean, and Matua Te Teira Rawiri. Their spiritual guidance set the tone for a morning steeped in solemn reflection and heartfelt remembrance.

Cook Islands Consul General, Keu Mataroa, acknowledged the presence of several esteemed dignitaries, including Frédéric Leturque, Mayor of Arras and President of the Arras Urban Community (CUA), the former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Dr. Robert Woonton and Mrs. Woonton, Bishop Emeritus Paul Donoghue, Lemauga Lydia Sosene MP for Māngere, members of the National Blue Pacific Team, ASB Polyfest Lifetime Award recipient Mama Tupou Manapori, Ui Ariki of the Cook Islands—Queen Tinomana Tokerau Ariki, King George Karika, and Te Whakaheo King Popo Ben—as well as members of the Local Boards, Auckland Consular Corps, veterans and their families, and the descendants of the 500 Cook Islands soldiers who served in World War I.

First held in 2015, the Cook Islands ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony has become a cornerstone of remembrance for the diaspora in Tamaki Makaurau and Aotearoa, honouring both the ANZAC legacy and the valiant contributions of Cook Islands soldiers who served alongside their Pacific brothers during times of global conflict.

This year’s historic event was made possible by the tireless efforts of the Auckland ANZAC Committee—a dedicated collective of volunteers and community leaders representing the Cook Islands Consulate, Cook Islands Development Agency NZ (CIDANZ), Cook Islands Religious Advisory Council NZ (CIRAC), Enua Vaka Leaders (EVL), and the Women’s Fellowship (Vainetini), to include our Police Representatives and Flag Bearers. For a decade, these groups have nurtured a space of remembrance, reflection, and unity.

“ANZAC Day is not only the story of nations,” stated Consul General Mataroa in his address, “but of individuals—young Cook Islands men who left behind their homes and families to serve a cause greater than themselves. They were men of immense courage, service, and dedication.”

Of the more than 1,000 Pacific Islanders who enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the First World War, 500 hailed from the Cook Islands. These men stood shoulder to shoulder with soldiers from Fiji, Niue, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Kiribati—serving with distinction in Gallipoli, the Western Front, and the Middle Eastern theatres.

For the first time, Pull-Up Banners featuring the names of Cook Islands WWI soldiers were publicly displayed—a visual testament to their sacrifices.

The Consul General extended gratitude to the High Commissioner and the Commission for making this historic exhibit possible.

The ceremony also honoured the work of the Cook Islands WW1 NZEF ANZAC Soldiers Research Project. Researchers Bobby Nicholas, Cate Walker, Paula Paniani, Paul Morrisey, Moe Hobbs, and many others have worked under the guiding principle: Locate. Document. Restore. Preserve. Protect. Their efforts have restored dignity and recognition to these long-forgotten heroes.

A highlight of the morning was the keynote address by Karika George Ariki, grandson of Sergeant George Karika, the most decorated Pacific Island soldier of WWI, awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Karika George Ariki recited thoughts from the Biography of the late Pa George Karika, indeed a gallant effort

Special acknowledgement was given to Sue Baker and her husband Kit, whose meticulous research has significantly enhanced the historical narrative of Cook Islands soldiers in WWI.

“This 10-year journey of remembrance is a labour of love,” said Consul General Mataroa in closing.

“Remembrance is not passive—it is active. It is work. It is legacy. As we honour our past, we also commit to carrying forward the values of service, unity, and pride for generations to come.”

The Cook Islands ANZAC Commemoration Ceremony stands as a vital cultural and historical observance—reminding us all that through remembrance, we restore not just forgotten names, but the humanity, bravery, and enduring legacy behind them.

Cook Islands Consulate