22/10/2026
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY NOTICE & INVITATION
Organised by Puakapa Tauturu Incorporated Society
Kia Orana to all Cook Islands families and community members,
The Puakapa Tauturu Incorporated Society invites you to a crucial public meeting this Saturday to address urgent matters directly impacting our people in New Zealand.
📅 Meeting Details:
• Date: Saturday, 24th October 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM
• Location: 5 Castlefinn Drive, Manurewa, Auckland
📋 Key Agenda & Topics for Discussion:
1. 🪦 High Funeral Costs & Bereavement Grant Review
◦ Facing exorbitant burial costs in Auckland, cemetery plots now cost up to $7,000 before burial is allowed.
◦ Address the outdated Ministry/WINZ Bereavement Grant (stuck at $2,500 for decades despite inflation), which fails to cover basic plot fees.
◦ Formulating community action and representation to the Auckland Council and relevant decision-makers regarding these unsustainable expenses.
2. 🏥 Support for Cook Islands Ministry of Health Referral Patients
◦ Addressing the lack of structured assistance for medical referral patients and families upon arrival in New Zealand from the Cook Islands.
◦ Mobilising community support and developing practical ways our local community can assist and care for our patients and their families during treatment and assessment.
3. 🏛️ Auckland Land Acquisition & Cook Islands Marae Project
◦ Updates on securing land in Auckland to establish a dedicated Marae, a cultural hub, home, and standing place for the Māori people of the Cook Islands.
4. 🛂 Passport Stamp Requirements & Entry/Exit Rights
◦ Discussing Cook Island passport stamp requirements and advocating for better solutions (such as automated database monitoring for overstayers) rather than imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on the 100,000+ Cook Islanders residing overseas.
5. 🛂 Home Family Caregiver
◦ Any carer who looks after a relative is entitled to remuneration or wages owing to you in the past; Puakapa Tauturu can assist, advocate and facilitate those payments. More information will be available at the meeting.
Why You Should Attend:
These issues affect every Cook Islands family in New Zealand, from our health and welfare to honoring our loved ones with dignity and preserving our cultural standing. Your voice and presence matter!
Please share this post with your family, friends, and community groups. If you are not able to attend meeting no worries we will be live on Facebook to keep you informed! We look forward to seeing you all this Saturday all is welcome :)
Meitaki maʻata,
Puakapa Tauturu Incorporated Society
C.E.O
Hakaoro 022 539 9279
Secretary
Ciena Lei 020 423 4589
