03/06/2026
Congratulations Mrs Rosa Tauia on Woman of the month June 2026!!
Stunning in your Heihere Dress ❤️💛❤️🔥
Congratulations to Rosa Tauia who has been named Woman of the Month for June 2026, recognising her decades of service to the Cook Islands hospitality and tourism industry, as well as her contributions to the community.
The recognition comes during a milestone week for Tauia, who celebrated her 65th birthday yesterday June 1st surrounded by family and friends. The eldest of eight sisters and four brothers, Tauia described herself as privileged to have most of her siblings together for the occasion.
Born to parents from the Northern Group, Tauia has built a career spanning more than four decades across the public and private sectors.
She began her working life in hospitality, including waitressing at the former Rarotongan Hotel, before becoming the only Cook Islander employed by an Italian Construction company operating in the country at the time, serving as a personal assistant and secretary. She also was General Manager at Manuia Beach for three years.
Tauia later worked for the Cook Islands Post and Telecommunications for 10 years, supporting ministers and senior government officials, before spending nine years with Island Hopper Vacations as an inbound tour operator.
She is perhaps best known for her long association with Trader Jack’s, which she and Jack operated for nearly 38 years. Tauia worked at the popular waterfront restaurant for 25 years and helped guide the business through multiple rebuilds following major cyclones.
Reflecting on her career, Tauia said one of her greatest highlights was seeing Trader Jack’s reopen after each rebuild, while also valuing the opportunity to work alongside and learn from many respected figures in the hospitality and tourism sector.
A strong advocate for sharing knowledge and mentoring others, Tauia said she has always believed in passing on what she has learned throughout her career.
She currently works part-time at Plaza Kai Malie, alongside her daughter Hinano and cousin Tasha Wright.
Tauia thanked the Woman of the Month committee for accommodating an earlier presentation date to allow her visiting siblings to attend the celebration. She also acknowledged her family, friends and the programme’s sponsors for their support.
The Woman of the Month celebration will be held at the Islander Hotel on Thursday evening.
Watch her share her story on Cook Islands Television News
Photo by Radio Cook Islands
