Tutakimoa Meeting House Renovations Complete
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, 24 April 2026. The Tutakimoa community today celebrated the official opening of the newly renovated Betelehema III Meeting House, marking a significant milestone in community-led development and resilience in Rarotonga.
Led by the Tapere Tutakimoa Community Group, the project reflects the strength, commitment, and unity of the local community. Renovations commenced in 2023, following the approval of funding support through the Government of India Grant Fund. In 2025, the project received further support through the Cook Islands Government funded Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP), enabling the completion of works.
The Meeting House was formally opened on Friday, 24 April 2026, in a ceremony attended by the Prime Minister the Honourable Mark Brown, alongside representatives from Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI), the Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (MFEM), Emergency Cook Islands (EMCI), the Tutakimoa Ekalesia, Pu Tapere, landowners, and members of the wider Tutakimoa community. Celebrations continued with a community hosted kaikai at the Rarotonga Bowling Club.
Now complete, Betelehema III is the third hall delivered under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, providing a multi-purpose space for community use and a strengthened emergency evacuation centre to support Tutakimoa’s safety and resilience.
Honourable Mark Brown, Prime Minister says “This project reflects the strength of partnership between the Cook Islands and the Government of India, and the leadership of the Tutakimoa community in bringing it to life. Betelehema III is more than a community hall it is an investment in the long-term resilience of our people, our communities, and our future in the face of a changing climate.”
Mr. Mani Mate, Director of Development Coordination Division, MFEM says “The Government of India through the India Grant Fund has been proud to support projects that are driven by communities themselves. Tutakimoa is a strong example of how external funding can enable local priorities, with the community leading the way.”
Ms. Mereani Howard, Landowner and Community Representative says “This meeting house stands on land that carries the history of our family, our people. Seeing it renewed and rebuilt for our children is something I am deeply proud of.”
Mr. Joseph Akaruru, Tutakimoa Community representative and Project Lead says “My heartfelt thanks is given to everyone who has contributed to the works, from our community, our people who gift their time, their hard earn money to keep things going as funds got low – thank you. And thank you to the Government of India for supporting our vision from 2023 to today, and lastly, thank you the our Government of the Cook Islands for helping us cross the line to finish all the works today.”
Betelehema III is a community asset shaped by the people of Tutakimoa. It is a place for gathering, worship, celebration, and safety, the meeting house stands as a lasting symbol of what can be achieved through collective effort, local leadership, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
Further details on the supporting funds: The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP), delivered by the CIIC in collaboration with OPM, EMCI and ICI, is a Government-led initiative focused on strengthening community resilience by upgrading and repurposing existing community halls into safe, fit-for-purpose emergency shelters. The programme provides funding and project management support while ensuring facilities remain available for everyday community use outside of emergency events. Enquiries regarding the RSSP can be directed to the CIIC via rssp.coordinator@cookislands.gov.ck
The India Grant Fund supports priority development projects across the Cook Islands, enabling community-led projects that deliver long-term social and economic benefits. Coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), the implementation of approved projects is supported by the Development Coordination Division of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management.
