Who is Te Ipukarea Society?
Te Ipukarea Society is a (small but effective membership-based non-government organisation (NGO) that has been in existence since 1996. Over this period, we have grown our reputation for completing environmental projects and being a credible source of independent, research-based evidence, information and expertise on environmental issues impacting the Cook Islands.
While we advocate, promote and educate to ensure environmental sustainability and undertake projects to conserve, restore and protect our natural capital, we are clear we are not a regulator. This is the role of the National Environment Service (NES), Ministry of Health (MoH) and Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) and other Government institutions.
Our current dynamic team of four employees (Dec 2024), supported volunteers, are muti-skilled and highly experienced and are known by others to “be the people who do the work”, producing substantial and valued outputs. We are seen to “walk the talk” and to be “value for money” by funders. While individual and family membership is relatively small, corporate membership is strong and effective.
We have among our staff and membership well respected scientists and active campaigners for environmental sustainability. TIS is managed by a voluntary committee who are elected by members, as per our constitution, at our Annual General Meeting. Paid staff and volunteers attend to the day-to-day running of TIS. At present, these include:
Alanna Smith – Director
Kelvin Passfield - Technical Advisor
Mary McDonald – Finance Manager
Akeina Tairea - Part Time Officer
Itirangi Pennycook - Summer Intern
Our Philosophy
TIS encourages innovative, proactive and positive outcomes to environmental problems, by working with individuals, families, community organizations, private sector and government. We provide leadership on key environmental issues and a voice for local, regional and nation-wide environmental groups. We recognize and incorporate into our campaign objectives the connection between environmental sustainability and social and economic justice. We believe individuals must avoid actions that have negative effects on the wider community, including plants and animals and future generations. We promote the philosophy that we do not own our land and marine resources but we borrow them from our ancestors.
History
TIS was the first Cook Islands environmental NGO established in 1996 as a direct result of the downsizing of the Environment Service. TIS was formed by a group of citizens who felt some of the projects axed were worthwhile continuing for the benefit of the Cook Islands. Since then the National Environment Service has strengthened, and TIS works closely with them where NGO involvement is needed. This may be in a supportive role or through campaigns that raise awareness on specific topics that affect our country.
How do we work?
TIS has a Constitution and is managed by a President and voluntary committee which comprises of a cross section of the community , who are elected by members at our Annual General Meeting. The Society is registered at the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice under the Incorporated Societies Act 1994. TIS has an overall Director who co-ordinates the day-to-day running of TIS as well as a couple of Senior Managers. Members participate in their specific areas of interest.
What does TIS do?
TIS encourages innovative, proactive and positive outcomes to environmental problems, by working with individuals, community organisations, private sector and government. We provide leadership on key environmental issues and a voice for local, regional and global environment groups. We incorporate the connection between environmental sustainability and social and
economic justice. We believe individuals must avoid actions that have negative effects our plants, animals, current and future generations.
We provide others with a voice to lobby more effectively. TIS campaigns on a broad range of environmental issues in the Cook Islands. We also coordinate and implement environmental projects. We are guided by our strategic plan, and focus our projects in 5 main areas:
- BIODIVERSITY. Local experts in conducting rat eradication programmes, Biodiversity monitoring and invasive species control support to the Takitumu Conservation Area, outer island seabird surveys, Turtle monitoring through Citizen Science;
- WASTE minimisation and management awareness within the community and private sector, Reusable feminine hygiene promotion;
- ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT which currently focuses on raising awareness on the environmental, cultural and economic impacts of seabed mining;
- YOUTH environmental related education programmes achieved during school sessions or planned school holiday programmes.
- CLIMATE CHANGE, promoting alternative coastal protection options such as geo-textile sand bags and the planting of native coastal vegetation to prevent coastal erosion
Our Mission
Championing an environmentally resilient, sustainably developed and bio-diverse Cook Islands.
We will achieve our mission through action, advocacy and education, incorporating traditional knowledge and practices where possible.
Our Objectives
- Advocate for, demonstrate and promote environmental protection and ecologically sustainable development.
- Be a credible source of information and disseminate evidence-based research, traditional knowledge (when appropriate), education and advice about the environment and the challenges arising from human activity and climate change.
- Lead and/or support projects to minimise waste, restore and protect ecosystems, mitigate the environmental impacts of climate change and conserve and maintain biodiversity.
- Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.
- To be flexible and adaptable to environmental challenges