Three staff members from the National Environment Service (NES) recently participated in the Cook Islands Parliament Programmes. Environment Partnerships Coordinators Mareva Cameron and Ngatupuna Kae took part in the Youth Parliament, while Finance Officer Anita Harmon participated in the Women’s Parliament for 2026.
The aim of these initiatives was to empower emerging young leaders and women to engage in national governance and policy discussions. The programmes provided a valuable platform to better understand parliamentary processes, debate key national issues, and represent diverse perspectives in decision-making spaces.
For the Youth Parliament, a key highlight was the discussion on the current National Youth Policy, which is set to expire in 2026. This session enabled participants to raise concerns and contribute ideas toward shaping the future direction of youth development in the Cook Islands. The key focus of the Youth Parliament sitting was also the review and proposed amendment of the Education Act 2012, with particular emphasis on recognising vocational learning as an alternative pathway to traditional academic routes. This initiative highlighted the importance of inclusive and flexible education systems that better cater to the diverse needs, skills, and aspirations of young people in the Cook Islands.
Cameron, who was selected as Prime Minister, and Kae, who represented Atiu, both noted that they experienced firsthand the demands of parliamentary roles, including the pressure and responsibility of acting as ministers. This required preparing responses under tight time constraints, addressing complex national issues, and being accountable for decisions in a formal parliamentary setting, highlighting the realities and challenges faced by leaders in governance. With the upcoming Environment Bill to be tabled in Parliament, the experience also provided NES staff with valuable insight into how legislative processes are carried out in practice.
Harmon attended the 3rd Cook Islands Women’s Parliament held from 5–6 May 2026, where women from across the country came together to experience and engage in parliamentary processes. Day one focused on building understanding of how Parliament operates, including procedures, roles, and standing orders, providing participants with practical insight and confidence ahead of the formal sessions. Day two centred on the simulation of parliamentary debate, where participants debated the Commission for Women Bill 2026, applying what they had learned in a real parliamentary setting.
The overall purpose of the Women’s Parliament was to strengthen women’s leadership, representation, and participation in governance, while deepening understanding of national issues affecting women. This included exploring the establishment of a Commission for Women to promote and protect the rights and interests of women across the Cook Islands, including the Pa Enua. The programme also emphasised empowering women’s voices in decision-making, strengthening knowledge of parliamentary processes, and supporting inclusive representation, including the Pa Enua and diverse community perspectives.
Both proved to be valuable and impactful experiences, equipping participants with knowledge, confidence, and skills that will support future leadership development and engagement in the Cook Islands. As one participant reflected, “I’ve never seen myself in politics, but this programme opened my eyes to it being a possibility in my future. I think that’s a win for myself, and for the organising committee.”
