Taikoko presents King’s Birthday Award to fellow nurses

Te Kainga O Pa Taunga director Mereana Taikoko said being nominated for next year’s King’s Honours was a great recognition for Cook Islands nurses.

The Prince will be awarded an MBE for services to mental health care and awareness, and community building, and is one of four recipients of the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

The other three recipients are: Ritua Kathleen Rose Marie Koteka, OBE for services to health, public and community affairs; Juliana Teinakore Etches, BEM for services to public service and the community in education and culture; and Tutavake Tutai, BEM for services to the community.

On Friday, Taikoko shared her work experience with 14 women from Germany who were part of the World Day of Prayer group and were hosted by members of the Cook Islands National Council of Women.

“I have worked in both the government sector and the non-government sector. Now, I have been retired from the government sector for seven years and focus only on community development – mental health services.
She said at Te Kainga they worked with women, the elderly, churches and children.

Commenting on receiving the King’s Birthday Honours, Ms Taikoko said it was a well-deserved recognition of the value nurses bring to the Cook Islands.

“I think that while we feel undervalued, it’s nobody else’s fault but our own, that nurses don’t actually support each other.”

She explains that in her experience, nurses don’t always work together to drive improvements. However, she has always taken a proactive approach by focusing on her own work rather than waiting for others to bring about change.

“Even if you work for the government, nothing will come of it. So, you need to do it. And prove that it can be done. The government and others will support you. This is my experience in my job.”

Odile Urirau, a representative of the Catholic Women’s Group, shared the history of the World Day of Prayer in the Cook Islands. She also highlighted a recently published 40-page book detailing the stories of two deceased Cook Islands women and their involvement in the World Day of Prayer.

The delegation representatives expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome, hospitality and the opportunity to meet with members of the National Women’s Commission.