New Inter-Island Vessel Naming

The Cook Islands Government is proud to announce the arrival of two new inter-island vessels, which will play an important role in strengthening our connection with the Pa Enua. These vessels will help us stay connected across our islands, ensuring communities remain linked, supported, and included in our shared future. To celebrate this milestone, we are inviting name suggestions from our Tamariki across the country. For now, the vessels are referred to as “Vessel 1” and “Vessel 2”, but with your help they will soon carry names that reflect who we are and what we value as a nation.

The theme for this naming competition is Akamatutu I To Tatou Pirianga, which speaks to the importance of nurturing and strengthening our relationships. We are looking for names that reflect the spirit of culture, connection, future growth, and prosperity. Whether it’s a traditional name, a creative idea, or something that tells a story about our islands, and this is your chance to leave a mark on something that will serve our people for years to come. The competition is open to all students in the Cook Islands, as well as members of registered youth groups, including the Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade, cultural or sports clubs, and non-government organisations.

Entries can be submitted online by completing the form on the following link:https://forms.gle/JPbsykrBdxfHugL67

The competition closes on Thursday, 17 July 2025, and winners will be announced in August 2025.

For those in the Pa Enua who may not have access to the internet, we kindly ask our island administrators to assist by scanning and emailing completed hard copy forms to mpps.media@cookislands.gov.ck, or by helping participants fill out the online form.

We look forward to seeing the creative names you come up with, and Meitaki Ma’ata for being part of this exciting journey.

For more information about domestic shipping, please click here.