They are known as the Cook Island Mamas and they are a group of Pacific women across New Zealand aiming to sew more than 5000 reusable face masks as part of a programme to help the Pacific community during the Covid-19 crisis.
The programme has been implemented by the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ), a Pasifika Futures partner and an organisation empowering Cook Island families to take control of their own futures through creating and leading enterprises.
CIDANZ Chief Executive, Rouruina Emile-Brown, says the 32 Mamas in ten regions across the country are not only getting paid for their work but they are also contributing to their community during a time when wearing face masks are now compulsory on public transport and strongly encouraged in other public areas.
The matriarchs are sewing in churches, halls and their homes. They will earn a small profit from mask sales and learn about how to run a small business in the process.
“We are providing small cottage home industries for our women. This is a Whānau Ora supported initiative focused on enterprise and business. This is an opportunity for our women to utilise their sewing skills and so this commercial activity also has social outcomes to keep our families safe” says Emile-Brown.
The Mama’s belong to a branch of CIDANZ called Vainetini New Zealand, meaning a gathering of women.
“The vision of the group is to unite and prosper the Cook Islands community and the formation of this group is an example of how they are achieving that vision. These Mama’s are craftswomen maintaining the Cook Islands heritage by creating a collective platform that integrates their knowledge that has been passed on from generation to generation,” she says.
The pattern and design of the reusable masks were co-created by one of the organisation’s enterprising families with help from the Mamas. They are $5 to purchase and are available at selected Pacific partners across the country.
CIDANZ has also supported Cook Islands families by partnering with churches to offer support during the pandemic. Emile-Brown confirms that they have helped more than 674 homes and 3600 individuals.
“We’ve taken a very proactive approach with our Cook Islands church ministers to get our people ready and take care of their needs. There should be no reason why our people should not know what is happening, how to take care of themselves and where they can access the most accurate information and resources. We’re taking care of their physical needs, helping with food parcels, clothing, utilities and devices.”
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Date: Saturday 19 September 2020