Administration of the Cook Islands

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand has been entrusted with administrative responsibility for the Bahá'í community in the Cook Islands. This development follows the suspension of the Administrative Committee in the Cook Islands, due to a “paucity” of believers in the region.

In a recent letter from the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand has been asked to lovingly oversee the spiritual and administrative needs of the friends in the Cook Islands, ensuring their continued connection with the global Bahá'í community until such time as the Administrative Committee can be re-established. A letter from the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand, conveyed through the Counsellors and Auxiliary Board Members, has, this week, been sent to the Bahá'ís of the Cook Islands, informing them of this change, and sharing its deep love and assurance of ongoing support during this period of transition.

Careful processes are underway to facilitate this transition, with arrangements lovingly supported by dear Counsellors, Mrs Latai ‘Atoa and Ms Tessa Scrine, and being made in accordance with Bahá'í principles and best practices, ensuring the spiritual and administrative needs of the Cook Islands Bahá'í community are upheld during this time.

The New Zealand Bahá'í community has always had a strong spiritual connection with that of the Cook Islands, and indeed this administrative arrangement had existed once before. Aotearoa is also responsible for sending pioneers to Rarotonga, the cluster in the Cook Islands which is being supported to reach the third milestone during the Nine Year Plan. Auckland already has a connection of support with Rarotonga through the friends in Manurewa, and exchange visits have been occurring for sharing learning and building capacities of the friends. Mrs Fia Sakopo, an Auxiliary Board member for propagation who lives in Manurewa, is also giving much support to the Cook Islands.

The administrative connection and strong bonds of cooperation for progress in the Nine Year Plan, along with the prayers of the believers across Aotearoa for the continued growth and well-being of the Bahá'í community in our sister country, will undoubtedly play a role in the development of the Cook Islands.

Feature photo: View of Rarotonga and Koromiri island in the Rarotonga Lagoon, Cook Islands