Cook Islands Traditional Leader Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid has passed away suddenly in Auckland. A pivotal figure in Rarotongan society, Te Tika was well acknowledged as a patron to the arts, an environmental advocate and government advisor on a broad range of issues. Te Tika was proprietor and director of the Little Polynesian Resort. Among her countless contributions to all  things Cook Islands, Te Tika was recently chair to the creative industries taskforce for the National Economic Summit and a member of the Cook Islands Tourism Board.  In July, Dorice Reid was due to take up the position of Cook Islands High Commisioner in Wellington.

Release from Cook Islands Tourism

The Directors, Management and Staff of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation record their deep regret at the sudden passing of our Board Director Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid.

"Te Tika was a cornerstone of the Corporation who ensured that everything we do is anchored firmly to the sound and sustainable use of Cook Islands culture and the environment, and in the absolute best interests of Cook Islanders" said Board Chairman Ewan Smith. "She has achieved much in her life not the least of which has been her contribution to the Cook Islands tourism industry. Later this month we had planned to farewell Dorice who was due to take up her appointment as High Commissioner to New Zealand. Sadly, we will now never be able to do this. We extend our sincere condolences to her family at this very sad time.

Aere ra e Te Tika, ka vai ua rai toou tutu i roto i to matou pukuatu e rau te tuatau

Te Atua te Aroa

Funeral Details: The casket of Te Tika Mataiapo - Dorice Reid will be taken to Te Puea Marae, Te Waka Ko Tainui , Mangere Bridge at 10am Sunday 19th June where she will lie in state until her transportation to Rarotonga on Thursday 23rd June at 10.30am on Air New Zealand arriving Rarotonga, Wednesday afternoon at 4.15pm

A family service will be held at the marae on Tuesday 21st June at 7pm and a memorial service in her honour will be held on Wednesday morning 22nd June at 10am. All are invited to attend these services and to also pay their respects to Te Tika Mataiapo at the Te Puea Marae between 10am Sunday 19th and 10am Wednesday 22nd June.

Tributes