• CYPPacific:
• Youth Caucus:
• Cook Islands

Cook Islands

Ms Nukutau Pokura

Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific Chairperson

 

Nukutau, 27, describes young Pacific people as “catalysts for positive change” – when they’re given the opportunity, that is.

 

“Young people bring to the ‘development’ table innovative ideas and energy to translate these ideas into meaningful action – when given the opportunity and support by all means possible.”

 

Nukutau, Nuks for short, was selected by her peers in the CYP South Pacific Regional Youth Caucus as Chairperson in April this year, and feels humbled to be representing them.

 

“I have a voice and the honour of representing my peers in decision-making bodies to ensure that the young people are heard and seen.”

 

Nuks also says she’s proud to be representing the Pacific region.

 

“The Pacific region is always underrepresented or misconceived by other regions; I believe that our region has much to offer in the sense of values such as the strong family unit, the spirit of comradeship and belonging in the sense of strong cultural and religious values.

 

“It’s my home and where I belong and I’m proud to be given the opportunity to be representing it,” says Nuks.

 

Nukutau became involved with the Commonwealth after responding to an advertisement for a Regional Youth Caucus member, which she thought she might just be cut out for due to her experience in her roles as a district director and youth leader with the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the Cook Islands.

 

Nuks also works in Rarotonga as a Field/HIV Programme Officer with Cook Islands Red Cross which includes managing the youth peer education programme, first aid programmes, co-ordinating events and assisting the Red Cross Secretary General, so spends a lot of time with young people in her home country.

 

And if that weren’t enough work in the youth sector, she also volunteers with a group which is working toward re-establishing the Cook Islands National Youth Council.

 

There are a few youth issues that Nuks feels particularly strongly about: inequality for youth and women; youth being portrayed negatively in the media; and adults undermining youth input and positive participation.

 

“It is unfair on the many positive changes and contributions that young people offer and present to development of any economy. 

 

“The media often portrays young people as the perpetrators of crime, violence, unrest etc and almost never portray young people as agents of positive change.

 

“Tokenism is high in the Pacific and in my country, so meaningful participation of young people in decision making at all levels of development is what I have a desire to work on.”

 

Aside from promoting meaningful youth participation, Nuks is also keen to learn more about the Commonwealth; build her skills so she can pass on to other youth advocates; and promote positive youth projects.

 

And in her role as the CYP South Pacific Regional Youth Caucus Chair?

 

“I want to be a supportive, fair and active chairperson to ensure that Pacific youth issues are heard and acted upon by national, regional and international stakeholders and partners; and that members are supported and given the opportunities to build their capacity as youth diplomats.”

 

Email:  n_pokura@hotmail.com