Pocillapora corals

Te Ara o te Ākau is a community-led coral restoration initiative grounded in the heart of the Cook Islands, dedicated to protecting and revitalising the reefs that sustain our islands. Guided by traditional knowledge and strengthened by modern science, we work to restore the living ecosystems that nourish our people, protect our shores, and define our identity.


In the Cook Islands, the reef is more than a resource, it is a source of life, culture, and connection. Te Ara o te Ākau brings together local communities, researchers, and future generations to care for the moana through hands-on restoration, education, and stewardship. Each coral we nurture represents a commitment to resilience, ensuring our reefs can thrive in the face of a changing climate.


Our work honours the wisdom of our tupuna while empowering today’s communities to take action for tomorrow. By restoring our reefs, we are strengthening food security, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding the natural heritage of the Cook Islands for generations to come.

Te Ara o te Ākau is the " meaning and purpose behind the reef" our pathway to a healthier ocean, and a stronger future.

Underwater coral nursery showing branching Acropora coral fragments growing on suspended rope lines in clear water.

Growing rope nurseries for new coral fragments

Nursery maintenance

Growing corals on locally built pyramid frames

New fragments

The beginning for new baby coral fragments

Vibrant coral reef restoration nursery with branching corals growing on underwater metal frames in clear blue tropical water.

Coral Growth

Aerial view of vibrant turquoise ocean water with colorful coral reef formations visible beneath the surface.

Aitutaki Lagoon

Close-up macro shot of textured brain coral surface showing intricate maze-like patterns in warm brown tones.

Lobophyllia Coral

Female diver in blue wetsuit tending to coral fragments on underwater metal nursery frame for reef restoration.

Collecting data has been crucial to the success of our project

Scuba divers transplanting small coral fragments onto bleached reef substrate during coral restoration project.

Outplanting corals to natural substrates

Kehu Butler cleaning frames

Managing coral nursery maintenance weekly

Pocillapora

Pink Pocillapora

Aerial view of a lone swimmer navigating turquoise ocean waters above a dark coral reef below.

Aitutaki Lagoon

Recent te ara o te akau feature // Cook ISLANDS Climate change science expo | 22 September 2026

 

Students gather around a display table at an educational fair, listening to a presenter wearing a floral lei.
Blue-walled art booth displaying white t-shirts on a rack, decorative wire fence with yarn flowers, and framed photos on the wall.
Marine educator engages children at an ocean conservation booth during an indoor educational fair event.
Young woman in white t-shirt engages children in a classroom activity using a measuring tape outdoors.
Children in traditional attire sit behind a bamboo fence at a cultural event, accompanied by an adult in a blue floral outfit.
Young schoolgirl in red gingham uniform smiling while holding a turquoise jump rope indoors.
Adults and children gather inside a wooden community hall during a cultural event in a tropical setting.
Children sit on tiled floor reviewing a photo book together in a classroom setting.
Students in school uniforms handle teal rope and natural objects on a table during an educational hands-on activity.
Four schoolgirls in blue uniforms examine coral specimens on a table during an educational marine biology lesson.
Students in school uniforms stand together with heads bowed in a wooden classroom setting.
Three young students collaborate on a hands-on project at a table during an educational workshop event.
Children in school uniforms gather around a colorful display at an indoor cultural exhibition in Fiji.
Two young girls in school uniforms smile while looking at seashells displayed on an orange metal grid.
Two people proudly display a purple t-shirt with a coral design at a GROW Academy event.

Let's

Connect

Find us here

Titikaveka, Rarotonga

Cook Islands

tearaoteakau@gmail.com

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Follow us on Instagram

 

@tearaoteakau