Our patron

Marjorie Tuainekore Crocombe

Dr Marjorie Tuainekore Crocombe has been influential to generations of Cook Islanders and Pacific peoples. A teacher, writer, academic and supporter of research and writing right across the Pacific region, the Association is honoured to have Dr Crocombe, known affectionately to many as Mama Marjie, as the patron of our organisation.

Marjorie’s numerous achievements include a Queen’s Award of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) which she received in 2009, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from the University of the South Pacific in 2010. She has been widely acknowledged for her contributions to community at home in the Cook Islands, and the mentoring and leadership of students and academics right across the region.

Marjorie’s writings and advocacy have amplified the Pacific voice in numerous arenas. Her historical and archival writings on the work of Māori missionaries show us a tradition of writing and intellectual enquiry that went far beyond the decolonial period of the 1960 and 70s, a refreshing perspective on our rich history as travellers and intellectuals. She has also published articles on education, regional diplomacy, national policy and literary studies.

Marjorie’s work as an editor and anthologist is one of her most powerful legacies. Her leadership and support has enabled generations of Cook Islanders and Pacific researchers and writers to publish. In doing so, Marjorie and the writers captured in her journals, edited collections and anthologies have also made space for new generations of writers and scholars too. We are honoured to have Marjorie as the patron of Te Vairanga Kite Pakari: the Cook Islands Research Association.