The National Environment Service proudly acknowledges the academic achievements of four staff members who have successfully completed studies in the Post Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Sustainability at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Graduates Benjamin Maxwell, Matthew Rima, Tekura Moeka’a, and Halatoa Fua have demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing their expertise in environmental management.
The Environmental Management and Sustainability program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle critical environmental challenges. The graduates undertook courses in Sustainability and Ecosystem Health, Biodiversity, Conservation Science, Marine Ecology, Environmental Legislation and Policy, Environmental Management, Impact Assessment, and Climate Change Policy. These courses provided a robust foundation in assessing environmental impacts, developing sustainable management strategies, and navigating complex policy frameworks.
The completion of these studies has significant implications for NES and its ongoing efforts in environmental protection and sustainability. This programme is fully aligned to one of NES’s strategic goals for its 5 year plan from 2025 to 2028, which is to increase and strengthen technical capacity. The graduates’ enhanced expertise directly contributes to key areas of compliance, stewardship, policy development, and partnerships within NES. Their academic journey has strengthened the organisation’s ability to address pressing environmental issues and implement effective management strategies in the Cook Islands.
Reflecting on the journey, the graduates shared their gratitude and experiences:
Matthew Rima stated, “I acknowledge our Heavenly Father for his blessings in life, the opportunities that have arisen, and his spiritual guidance. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, and the NES family for their unconditional support.”
Benjamin Maxwell shared his heartfelt gratitude, saying, “I sincerely thank our Lord and Father for his unwavering strength and guidance throughout this challenging yet rewarding academic journey. There were moments of doubt and difficulty, but my faith kept me going, and today, I stand proud of this achievement.
I am incredibly grateful to the Faculty at UON for welcoming us into this program and providing the knowledge and support needed to succeed. To my family—especially my loving wife and wonderful children—you have been my rock, my motivation, and the reason I persevered. Your patience, encouragement, and sacrifices have meant the world to me.
A special thanks to NES for their unwavering support and assistance. Their help has been instrumental in making this milestone possible, and I deeply appreciate everything they have done. This journey has been tough, but with faith, determination, and the right people by my side, I have made it through.”
Tekura Moeka’a shared, “It has been a challenging year both professionally and personally re-learning to go back to university and trying to work on the work-life balance. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to study while working and for the Governments’ financial support through both NES and the Ministry of Education Scholarship programme.”
Looking ahead, the graduates are eager to further their education and professional growth, with the Master’s program as the next challenge. Their dedication to continuous learning and applying their expertise in environmental management will further strengthen NES’s mission to safeguard the Cook Islands’ natural heritage for future generations whilst also building technical capacity in country.
