Back to page

Help Support Environmental Education in Aitutaki

  • Whales in Our Waters!

      21 September 2026
    Main image

    GROW Aitutaki was proud to support two days of whale education with Te Ipukarea Society - TIS, working alongside Nan Hauser and Alanna Smith with the Year 7 & 8 students at Araura College.

    The students had an amazing opportunity to learn about whales, their behaviour and the importance of protecting our marine environment.

    A huge Meitaki Atupaka to Te Ipukarea Society, Nan and Alanna for sharing your knowledge and inspiring our tamariki to become guardians of our ocean.

    This valuable learning opportunity was made possible through funding from the New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Young Water Guardians in Action!

      10 September 2026
    Main image

    GROW Aitutaki was proud to support two days of water safety and rescue skills with the Ocean Toa Cook Islands team and our Year 7 & 8 students from Araura College.

    Day 1 was land based learning, followed by practical sessions at Ootu Beach on Day 2. The students had a great time learning important skills to keep themselves and others safe in the water.

    Meitaki Atupaka to the New Zealand High Commission, Rarotonga, Cook Islands for funding this valuable programme, and to Ocean Toa for sharing your knowledge and expertise with our tamariki.

    Photo credit Ocean Toa

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 457 Collected from the Reef

      31 August 2026
    Main image

    This weekend we had a team of nine, six of them marine biologist, from Ocean Toa, fly from Rarotonga to help our kids clear the outer reef of crown of thorn starfish. These guys are amazing and the kind of mentors we want to surround our kids with if they’re to carry out this work.

    Thanks Ocean Toa, if you see them around the island give them a high five.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • 520 Crown of Thorns Removed in Our Efforts to Protect Our Reef

      9 August 2026
    Main image

    Over the past seven weeks, GROW Aitutaki, together with Mike, Aitutaki Coral Restoration & Eco Tours, his crew, and Kōrero o te 'Ōrau have removed 520 taramea (crown of thorns starfish) from Aitutaki’s outer reef. The map shows the locations where they have been collected.

    At first glance, 520 may not seem like a huge number, but it’s important to understand that our dive crew is made up primarily of young free divers aged 11–15 years, supported by a few dedicated adults.

    Every taramea removed is one less threat to our precious coral reefs. We are incredibly proud of these young environmental champions who are giving their time and energy to help protect one of Aitutaki’s greatest treasures.

    Every dive makes a difference.

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CkjzFwfaQ/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • OPERATION TARAMEA AITUTAKI

      28 June 2026
    Main image

    On World Ocean Day, Korero o te Orau joined AKTT Aitutaki students and local boat drivers to help remove taramea (crown of thorn starfish) from the reef.

    It was inspiring to see our māpū out on the water exploring, diving, and taking an active role in protecting their reefs. Together, we removed 124 taramea, with $5 paid for each one removed as part of the conservation initiative.

    It was a meaningful day of action, learning, and giving back to our moana. The future of our reefs is brighter when our young people are empowered to care for them!

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18oNtr7y8s/

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Taramea Reef Removal

      8 June 2026

    Today confirmed that we definitely need long fins for free diving outside the reef. The stronger currents and longer swims make them essential for working safely and efficiently.

    Even in a short time on the reef with Aitutaki Coral Restoration & Eco Tours, we removed 46 taramea. Every one removed helps protect our precious coral reefs.

    https://www.facebook.com/reel/1522468729268733

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment