In a quiet corner of Rarotonga, where the waves meet the reef and stories are passed from one generation to the next, Rereao Vano is rewriting the narrative of maternal care in the Cook Islands.
As the country’s only independent midwife, Rereao leads Maternal Health & Wellness Cook Islands, a pioneering initiative that brings antenatal education, postnatal support, and midwifery services directly into homes and communities. Her work is not just clinical; it’s founded on heartfelt care for mothers, babies, and families, with support that honours cultural identity and ensures each woman feels respected, nurtured, and truly seen throughout her journey.
Earlier this year, Rereao’s business received a grant through Business Link Pacific (BLP), unlocking new tools to expand her reach. With diagnostic equipment, a projector for mobile education, and the ability to operate independently, she is now able to perform onsite assessments of mums and babies, deliver engaging workshops, and offer clearer care pathways for families with unwell infants.
“This grant allows me to mobilize education and reach more mothers,” says Rereao. “It’s about creating safe, inclusive spaces where women feel supported, informed, and empowered.”
Her goals are ambitious and closely connected to the community. They include providing pregnancy and postnatal care in homes and village settings, supporting breastfeeding and early parenting, and collaborating with NGOs and community groups to strengthen maternal health access in the Cook Islands. Rereao, as the country’s only private midwife, thoughtfully integrates traditional remedies, crafts, and cultural practices into her educational approach, creating spaces that are not only informative but culturally rich and welcoming.
Through NUI Rarotonga, a program developed in partnership with Cook Islands Child Welfare Association, Rereao has re-established community antenatal classes and is now offering antenatal and postnatal services independent of the hospital system. Her kaupapa is clear: positive childbirth experiences for every family, regardless of location or circumstance.
“My journey from the Cook Islands School of Nursing to independent midwifery has been a path less travelled,” she reflects. “Mentorship from Hapu Wananga ki Tainui in Aotearoa helped me shape a Kuki Airani methodology, one that blends clinical care with cultural connection.”
With public health services stretched thin, and postnatal support often limited to just two sessions, Rereao’s work fills a critical gap. Her business is the only private sector provider of midwifery care in the country, and her presence, walking alongside families, weaves cultural identity into the everyday moments of motherhood.
To learn more about Rereao’s work or register for classes, contact her directly at [email protected].
BLP facilitates access to business advisory services and financial support to assist small to medium sized businesses like Rereao’s business to improve and grow.
To start your journey with BLP, you can self-assess your needs by using the free online tools to diagnose areas in your businesses that an advisor could improve. The first step can be the online Business Health Check. You can also check your business’s resilience to respond to crises or climate change challenges on the Business Continuity Planner and the Climate Action Sensor.
If you prefer to meet a local BLP representative in person to discuss your business, get in touch with our local partners to arrange a face-to-face business Diagnostic assessment. In the Cook Islands, contact the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce. Send an email to [email protected] to guide you through this face-to-face business assessment.