News
Stay informed with the latest news, research updates, and events from Te Puna Vai Mārama
TPVM welcomes new Research Fellow Kheelan Thompson-Tonga
Kheelan, a University of Otago Indigenous Studies graduate, answers the call to move home, bringing her perspective and passion to the TPVM team.
Just published: Crop selection in Rarotonga
TPVM researchers publish in the latest issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Forestry in the Pacific.
From Rarotonga to Romania: TPVM Team Build Connections Through Erasmus+ Exchange
An Erasmus+ exchange provided TPVM researchers Dr. Antony Vavia and Lauren Turner with the opportunity to share knowledge, build international relationships, and explore future research collaboration in Romania.
PAS Announces 2026 Tupaia Research Grants recipients
Celebrating the success of Te Puna Vai Mārama, awarded the 2026 Tupaia Grants by the Pacific Academy of Sciences for projects advancing Pacific knowledge and leadership.
Te Puna Vai Mārama to Co-Convene Landmark Pacific Studies Conference in the Cook Islands
Te Puna Vai Mārama to co-host the 2027 Australian Association for Pacific Studies Conference — the first ever held outside Australia, bringing Pacific scholarship home to the Cook Islands.
Selane Tairea Reflects on Youth Parliament 2026 Experience
Research Fellow Selane Tairea shares her reflections on youth leadership after taking part in Youth Parliament 2026.
Up Takuvaine Valley with Liam Koka’ua
TPVM and Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) recently joined an excursion up the Takuvaine Valley, guided by visiting Kuki PhD student Liam Kokaʻua.
TPVM joins Data Community of Practice (CoP3)
Research Fellow Selane Tairea joins the Community of Practice for strengthening data practice in the Cook Islands to support the monitoring and evaluation of the NSDA
SRH Policy and Action Plan launched
TPVM Research Associate Prof. Heather Worth gives keynote address at the launch in late March.
Pacific DataViz Challenge Introduced by SPC Outreach Lead Leo Cann‑Polydor
SPC’s Leo Cann‑Polydor met with TPVM staff to introduce the Pacific DataViz Challenge and discuss how creative data storytelling can strengthen public access to Pacific information.
TPVM Welcomes Research Associate Professor Dr Jesse Koka’ua
A mid‑March visit from Research Associate Professor Dr Jesse Koka’ua brought valuable insights into Pacific‑focused statistical research, along with mentoring support for TPVM’s data work.
Pacific Academy of Science inaugural congress
Cook Islands researchers attend the Pacific Academy of Sciences Congress in Samoa, February 2026.
TPVM participates in RESPONSE workshop
TPVM participates in NES’ RESPONSE workshop as a contributing consultant for Social and Gender Safeguards.
In the Socials: MFEM mentions
In the Socials: A special issue on the New Zealand Realm is spotlighted by MFEM, including an article by TPVM Director, Dr Emma Powell.
From the Black Sea to the Pacific
TPVM hosts visiting scholar, Associate Professor Liviu-Daniel Galatchi (Ovidius University, Romania).
JENESYS: Lessons from Hyogo
Selane Tairea participates in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) program.
Tourism research publication released
Tiraa publishes new article with Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research. Make sure to check it out via our Publications page.
In the News: Cook Islands webinar
Cook Islands researchers hold their first research webinar in a series supported by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa: Centre for Pacific & Global Health.
In the News: Muri Lagoon Health
Read about our research with Griffith University on the Muri Lagoon.