Our services

Cook Islands Child Welfare Association works closely with Te Marae Ora and public health nurses to monitor the health of young children aged 0-4 years across the Cook Islands. We also provide support and advice for expectant mothers, helping our communities to grow happy and healthy children.

Read more about our specific services below.

Paunu - baby health clinics

We offer free and confidential Paunu clinics several times per week across Rarotonga and some of the outer islands. These are held in purpose-built community clinics by public health nurses, with the help of Child Welfare members and volunteers.

The baby checks include weight and length measurements of pēpe, as well as physical activity, skin conditions, oral health and feeding patterns.

We hold Paunu mostly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, but also on Wednesday afternoons to allow caregivers to bring their children to clinic after work. Check our weekly Paunu schedule [LINK] or Facebook page [LINK] for clinic times.

NUI Antenatal Education

Our NUI antenatal program provides community-based health and childbirth education for pregnant women and their kopu tangata.

With no antenatal classes available in Rarotonga, CICWA recognised a need for expecting mothersto have more information and support during pregnancy, in preparation for childbirth and early parenting.

After discussions with vaine in the community, NUI was born in May 2023! Our aim is to empower expecting mothers and their support people with knowledge, confidence and support in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

NUI classes run on one evening per week, over four weeks.  classes are led by a local Registered midwife/Nurse with other volunteers and guest speakers in support. Attendees completing the course receive a care package for their pēpe, kindly donated by supporting NGO’s, small businesses and local retailers.

Our NUI antenatal courses include engaged learning about:

  • Nutrition in pregnancy

  • Safe pregnancy

  • Te Mana o te vaine NUI ka anau (Self-assurance in a woman’s capability to birth)

  • Danger signs

  • What to expect from labour and birth

  • Care after birth for Mum and baby

  • Breastfeeding establishment and support

Our next NUI course is awaiting funding streams, with classes likely to commence around August 2025.

Follow our NUI Facebook page to learn more about us and register for upcoming courses.

Educational workshops

Each year, we seek funding to run a range of educational workshops in our communities for parents, caregivers and children. These workshops all relate to child-health and wellbeing of tamariki and families. Past workshop topics have included:

  • first aid for babies

  • fevers in children

  • healthy meals and nutrition for children

  • oral health and teeth brushing

  • gardening for kids

  • cooking displays

  • massage for babies

  • breast feeding and lactation support

  • mums and bubs yoga

Check our events schedule or Facebook page for upcoming workshops.

Other services

Apart from the above, we also offer:

  • Baby capsule and car seat hire (book here XXXX)

  • Advice on children’s health, development and wellbeing

  • Maternal health support and midwifery referrals

  • Support and advice for parents and caregivers of young children

  • Referrals to specialist health services such as oral, vision, hearing, skin checks, autism and developmental issues.