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Meet our
puapi'i.

Safe, consistent care

Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki is privileged to be guided by three remarkable vā'ine toa whose collective experience, cultural knowledge, and commitment to our people form the heart of our centre.

Born and raised in Atiu, Maara Williams brings recognised New Zealand teaching and childcare qualifications, extensive early childhood experience, and fluency in both the Atiu and Tongareva dialects. Her passion for language revitalisation and culturally grounded education helps nurture confident tamariki who are proud of their identity and heritage.

Alongside her are Mama Tepaeru and Ma'ine Ramea Tautu of Tongareva, whose lifelong dedication to service, community wellbeing, and cultural preservation has positively impacted countless lives throughout the Cook Islands and abroad. Together they bring decades of experience in nursing, leadership, early childhood education, and childcare management. Their deep understanding of Cook Islands languages, traditions, and cultural practices enriches every aspect of learning at Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki.

Having recently returned home from New Zealand and Australia, these three dedicated leaders share a common vision: to strengthen the future of our tamariki through the revitalisation of language, culture, identity, and belonging. Their knowledge, compassion, and commitment create an environment where children are nurtured, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.

Together, they are helping to build a legacy for future generations by ensuring that the language, values, and cultural heritage of our ancestors continue to flourish through our tamariki.

Ministry of Education support includes centre leadership for day to day operations, shared programme planning across the 0–5 team, aligned routines and teaching expectations, and site based health and safety and compliance systems.

Future Focus (New Zealand) strengthens our teaching practice through an ongoing partnership focused on mentoring, coaching, and practical early learning support. This is a two way relationship that builds capability and confidence across both teams, while keeping Cook Islands Māori immersion and cultural practice at the centre of delivery.

Maara Williams

Va'ine Williams was born and raised in Atiu, Maara Williams has a deep connection to the island's language, culture, and traditions. Fluent in both the Atiu and Tongareva dialects, she brings a strong cultural foundation to her role as an educator.

After gaining recognised teaching and childcare qualifications and valuable early childhood experience in New Zealand, Maara recently returned home to invest her skills and passion into the future of Cook Islands children.

Her commitment to language revitalisation, cultural identity, and high-quality early childhood education makes her an invaluable member of the Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki team.

Tepaeru Tautu

Mama Paeru was born and raised in Tongareva, Tepaeru Tautu brings a lifetime of service, cultural knowledge, and community leadership to Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki. Her extensive nursing career took her throughout the Cook Islands and overseas, providing her with a deep understanding of the diverse dialects, traditions, and communities that make up our nation.

Having recently returned from Cairns, Australia, Tepaeru is passionate about revitalising and preserving Cook Islands language and culture for future generations. Her commitment to nurturing identity, language, and belonging within our tamariki reflects her belief that culture is the foundation of a strong and thriving future.

Mama Tepaeru's wisdom, compassion, and dedication to community make her a treasured member of the Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki.

Ramea Tautu

Ma'ine Ramea was born and raised in Tongareva, Ramea Tautu brings a wealth of professional experience, leadership, and dedication to Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki. With qualifications in nursing and extensive experience in early childhood education, she successfully owned and managed her own childcare centre in Cairns, Australia.

Having recently returned to the Cook Islands, Ma'ine Ramea is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise while helping to strengthen Cook Islands language, culture, and identity for future generations. She believes every child deserves a strong foundation that celebrates who they are and where they come from.

Ma'ine Ramea's leadership, compassion, and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of the Te Puāra Āpii Pōtiki and an inspiring role model for our tamariki.

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Te Papa Api'i o Rutaki
Rutaki, Rarotonga

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