Who we are
Te Puna Vai Mārama is a research centre committed to research excellence through investing in local expertise, fostering the next generation of Cook Islands researchers, and producing high-quality, innovative projects. Collaboration is central to this mission, with TPVM working alongside government ministries, statutory bodies, regional organisations, and international partners to deliver relevant and impactful research that strengthens Pacific and global connections. At the same time, community engagement is at the heart of the centre’s work, with knowledge shared through seminars, workshops, conferences, and accessible publications, ensuring that research informs national conversations and is understood, applied, and valued by the communities it serves.
Our team
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Dr Emma Powell
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![Woman with a flower in her hair smiling with arms crossed, standing on a patio with red columns and outdoor furniture, greenery in the background.]()
Sieni Tiraa
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![A woman with brown hair tied up, wearing a blue floral top, sitting at a table with her chin resting on her hand, smiling outdoors in front of a house with large glass windows and a sliding door, reflecting trees and sky.]()
Merita Tuari'i
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![Young woman with glasses wearing a floral crown and green lei, standing inside a red structure with a lush outdoor setting in the background.]()
Selane Tairea
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![An elderly woman with blonde hair and a flower in her hair sitting at a table on a porch, smiling and resting her chin on her hand, with lush greenery in the background.]()
Fran Little
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![A woman sitting on a wooden porch of a red building surrounded by greenery and trees during the daytime.]()
Lauren Turner
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Dr Tina Newport
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![A smiling woman with a flower in her hair, wearing a blue patterned dress and an orange shirt, standing outdoors amongst lush green tropical plants.]()
Hilary Gorman
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![A smiling man with a beard and tattoos on his arm standing on a red bridge surrounded by lush green plants, wearing a green Hawaiian shirt with yellow floral patterns.]()
Dr Ant Vavia
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Prof Heather Worth
Our organisation
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Our strategic direction
Read our strategic plans, annual reports, and other key documents that guide our vision, priorities and accountability.
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Our publications
Discover our reports, articles, and research publications that share knowledge, evidence and insights from our work.
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Our Board
Meet the Board members who provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversights to support our mission and long-term direction.