World Ocean Day 2025 

"Sustaining What Sustains Us” Celebrated in Aitutaki

World Ocean Day 2025 was marked with a series of meaningful and fun community events in Aitutaki, under this year’s global theme “Sustaining What Sustains Us.”

Following the success of the inaugural celebration in 2024, this year’s programme was once again a collaborative effort between Cook Islands Tourism, Climate Change Cook Islands, the National Environment Service, and the Ministry of Marine Resources.

The Rarotonga-based delegation was warmly welcomed by Aitutaki’s Mayor and Island Council, who endorsed the programme and acknowledged the alignment between national and local goals to protect and preserve our ocean.

DAY ONE: Motu Cleanup – Leading by Example 

The celebration kicked off on Wednesday, 4th June with a motu cleanup at Motu Rakau and Motu Tekopua. A team of 10 government workers, 8 local and tourism industry volunteers (including Bubbles Below), collected over 63kg of rubbish, made up mostly of plastic bottles, cans, and other debris. One surprising find was a discarded washing machine, which could not be retrieved but was noted for removal. The spirit of teamwork and collaboration was a clear highlight of the day.

DAY TWO: Taking the Ocean to Our Children 

On Thursday, 5th June, the focus shifted to education and creativity. Year 7 and 8 students took part in an interactive programme where representatives from Climate Change Cook Islands, the National Environment Service, Marine Resources, and Cook Islands Tourism presented on the importance of our ocean. Students were then divided into 11 groups to create and perform chants in Māori celebrating World Ocean Day. The hall was alive with energy, laughter, and pride. Team Toru took home the winning title, each receiving a $20 Aquila voucher and a $20 Vodafone voucher.

DAY THREE: Engaging with Primary Schools 

The final day saw outreach to the island’s younger students from Araura School, Vaitau School, and Seventh-Day Adventist School. The excitement was infectious as students participated in fun, ocean-themed activities, including competitions such as “first to catch a fish.” These interactive sessions provided a space to spark curiosity, foster environmental care, and leave a lasting impression about the value of our marine environment.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the people of Aitutaki for their warm hospitality and support, and to our partners for their invaluable contribution: Climate Change Cook Islands, the National Environment Service, and the Ministry of Marine Resources. Your time, knowledge, and willingness to step out of the office and onto the reef were what made this celebration so meaningful.

As we reflect on the success of World Ocean Day 2025, may we all continue to protect what nourishes us—our ocean, our culture, and our future.