Travel, family and faith motivators for Cook Islands Tourism graduate

A love of travelling between the Cook Islands, Aotearoa and Australia to connect with family, faith and culture inspired Evangeline Meti Nicholas’ path to study Tourism at the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka.

Evangeline’s graduation on Saturday with a Bachelor of Commerce marked a moment of pride not only for herself, but for her parents, grandparents and the Cook Islands heritage that shaped her.

Raised by her grandparents from a very young age, the values they lived by became the foundation she carried into university life.

“I was born in Auckland, but only a couple weeks later I moved to Rarotonga. Soon after, I went to live with my grandparents, who raised me from a very young age,” she says.

“Growing up in a church and culturally focused community meant that family, faith, and staying connected to our culture were central parts of my life.”

Evangeline’s grandparents, who served as ministers for the Cook Islands Christian Church in Palmerston North, provided guidance that she still leans on today.

“Living with my grandparents shaped me in ways I did not fully realise at the time. Their guidance and the environment they created gave me strong roots. Looking back, I am grateful for everything they taught me, because they continue to guide me in small but meaningful ways.”

Being the eldest of six siblings further shaped Evangeline’s outlook on education.

“My dad would often remind me that I have to be the role model for my younger siblings,” she says.

“Throughout my university journey, I began to embrace that responsibility. I wanted to succeed not just for myself, but to set an example and eventually use my skills to give back to my family.”

Her pathway into Commerce reflects both her personal interests and her connection to home. Majoring in Tourism with a minor in Marketing felt like a natural fit.

“I chose Tourism because of my love for travel and connecting with people,” she says.

“Growing up, I often travelled between the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia to see family, which sparked my interest in the tourism world.”

The creativity and vibrancy of both fields kept her engaged, and she hopes to eventually bring these skills back to the Pacific.

“What excites me the most about tourism and marketing is how creative these fields are. They are industries built on connection, culture, and experiences that bring people together. One of my goals is to start a business in event management in Rarotonga that creates meaningful gatherings and experiences for the community.”

But Evangeline’s university journey was not without its challenges. Adjusting to Dunedin’s student environment and feeling disconnected at times tested her resolve.

“Moving to Dunedin and adjusting to university life was a huge change for me,” she says.

“I grew up in a very family orientated and church-centred environment, so being in a new city surrounded by a very different student culture was challenging. What helped me navigate these challenges was the support of my family, friends, grounding myself in my faith, and finding ways to reconnect with my purpose.”

One of the most difficult moments came in her third year when her grandmother passed away unexpectedly. Evangeline says the period following her grandmother’s funeral was one of the heaviest she has ever experienced. Returning to study while still carrying the weight of grief took a toll on her mental and emotional wellbeing.

She often found herself struggling to focus, knowing that the woman who had raised her would no longer be there to witness the milestone she was working towards. Yet it was her grandmother’s teachings, and the love she had poured into her, that urged her to keep going.

“While it was heartbreaking, it reminded me of why I came to Dunedin. Her guidance and love shaped so much of who I am and honouring her by completing my degree became a major source of motivation for me.”

Another major obstacle Evangeline faced was a long battle with sleep paralysis, which intensified during some of her most demanding academic periods. The episodes left her exhausted, anxious and unable to study the way she wanted to.

“The debilitating nature of these experiences made me question whether I could continue.”

However, the unwavering encouragement of her support system along with her perseverance, helped her push through even on the days she felt completely drained.

These challenges deepened her sense of gratitude for her parents, who continued to support her from the Cook Islands as they worked on their own business ventures. Their sacrifices, determination and commitment to building something meaningful for the family inspired Evangeline throughout her studies.

“My message to other Pacific students is that it does not matter how long it takes to finish your degree; what matters is that you keep going.”

Evangeline is excited to return home for a time and use her growing skills in tourism and marketing to support their work as a way of giving thanks.

“For me, everything comes back to my family. I wouldn’t be here without them, and I’m grateful every single day,” she says.

Evangeline credits key mentors at the University, including Lauren Redshaw, for their encouragement, as well as the friends who walked alongside her.

Whether it was prayer, conversations with family, studying with friends or journalling to reflect, these practices kept her grounded.

“My message to other Pacific students is that it does not matter how long it takes to finish your degree; what matters is that you keep going.”

Looking ahead, Evangeline hopes to use her skills to support her parents’ business ventures in the Cook Islands and to meaningfully contribute to the community that raised her.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had, the guidance I have received and the community that has supported me. This journey has helped me grow in many ways,” she says.

Her graduation is a celebration of Pacific excellence, family legacy and the strength of a young Cook Island woman determined to honour where she comes from as she steps into the future.

– Talanoa by Pacific Communications Adviser Viena Faiva