A vital partnership with Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation secures crucial qualifications for future leaders at sea.

The Cook Islands Ship Owners Association is proudly supporting the next generation of traditional vaka leaders by sponsoring two senior trainee captains from Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation (TPVF). Cook Islanders Zeb Ravake and Oliver Oolders have been enrolled in the highly respected Skipper Restricted Limits (SRL) course at Manukau Institute of Technology, a critical step in their maritime careers.

This initiative is a cornerstone of TPVF’s succession planning. Founded in 2022 by Grand Master Navigator Peia Patai and Cecile Marten, the foundation is dedicated to reviving traditional voyaging skills. Through its Teretereanga Vaka programs on Vaka Paikea, TPVF has already trained over 75 youth in Aitutaki and the Ngaputoru group.

Zeb and Oliver represent the first cohort of apprentice navigators being personally trained by Captain Patai. Their journey to formal qualification is a community effort. TPVF is providing essential practical preparation on Vaka Paikea, while veteran captain John-Reid Willison is mentoring the trainees through their online theory studies. 

“Voyaging is a pinnacle of our culture, and we want to inspire more people to get their licenses, not just in Rarotonga but also in our Pa Enua. It’s about preserving that traditional knowledge, especially that of our vaka” – Zeb Ravake. 

The investment by the Cook Islands Ship Owners is an investment in a sustainable future. Upon successful completion of the SRL course, Zeb and Oliver will serve as captains on Paikea. They are also committed to mentoring the next two crew members who are scheduled to undertake the same training in 2026, ensuring the legacy of knowledge and leadership continues to flourish for generations to come.