Highlights from a preliminary opinion survey of Children, youth and communities In Aitutaki and Rarotonga, cook islands June-July 2002

Introduction

A preliminary opinion survey was conducted in two of the Cook Islands to find out islanders' main concerns regarding environment, development and tourism. 108 persons were surveyed in Rarotonga, and 38 in Aitutaki, over a three week period in June-July 2002, by student teachers guided by two consultants. Rarotonga, where most (40%) of the population live, is a high island. Aitutaki is a nearby low-lying island. Tourism is a strong part of the economy in both islands. The main focus of the survey was on children (5-12 years) as can be seen from the table below.

Survey Respondents

The survey methodology and the results are discussed in full at http://www.unesco.org/csi/smis/siv/Pacific/Cook Islandssurveyreport.rtf

Results

The following summary identifies only the highest ranking issue named by the respondents for each question. (Where two or more issues tied for the top-ranking place, these are also listed).

Development issues (youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga: migration of Cook Islanders abroad and the resulting depopulation and break-up of families and communities.
• Aitutaki: loss of beachfront lands for hotel development.

Issues of specific concern to the youth (youth respondents)

• Rarotonga: alcohol use.
• Aitutaki: lack of sport, entertainment and education facilities.

Environment issues (youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga: solid waste disposal and recycling.
• Aitutaki: solid waste disposal and use of chemicals.

Positive changes observed over time (children, youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga children: more buildings and better transport.
• Rarotonga youth and community: more vehicles and improved technology especially computers and Internet.
• Aitutaki children: more roads
• Aitutaki youth and community: more roads and better education.

Negative changes observed over time (children, youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga children: pollution and garbage.
• Rarotonga youth and community: pollution.
• Aitutaki children: loss of trees.
• Aitutaki youth and community: overfishing, more tourists, loss of trees, loss of language.

Future changes needed for a better personal life (youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga: family health and a spiritual life.
• Aitutaki: better education.

Future changes for the Cook Islands (youth and community respondents)

• Rarotonga: better education.
• Aitutaki: better water supply and better entertainment.

Opportunity to have a voice in decision-making on local and international issues (youth and community)

• Rarotonga: No.
• Aitutaki: Yes.

Impact of tourists good or bad (children)

• Rarotonga: good (all except one child).
• Aitutaki: good (all except three children).

Positive impacts of tourism (youth and community)

• Rarotonga: increased income for the country.
• Aitutaki: increased income for the country.

Negative impacts of tourism (youth and community)

• Rarotonga: increased diseases, loss of culture, island overcrowded, visitors overstaying their time.
• Aitutaki: increased diseases, increased exposure to western culture, loss of 'island feel', loss of property.

Favourite places (children, youth and community)

• Rarotonga children: beach and lagoon.
• Rarotonga youth and community: home and church.
• Aitutaki children: town.
• Aitutaki youth and community: lagoon.

Least favourite places (children, youth and community)

• Rarotonga children: jail.
• Rarotonga youth and community: clubs and parties.
• Aitutaki children: bush.
• Aitutaki youth and community: plantation or taro patch.

Children's favoured play environments (children)

• Rarotonga: playground or park.
• Aitutaki: sports field.

Based on:
Small Islands Voice: Cook Islands
Children, Youth and Community Views on Environment, Development and Tourism,
Preliminary Survey Report
By Karen Malone, 2002

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