Behind every robot is a group of passionate individuals dedicated to learning, creating, and making a difference. Our robotics team is no exception. From dreaming of careers in aerospace engineering to tackling the challenges of sustainability in the Cook Islands, each member of our team brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table. Get to know the students and mentors who represented the Cook Islands Robotics Club at the FIRST Global Robotics competition in Athens Greece 2024!
Uleina (15) – Club Captain
Uleina is the heart of the team, leading as this year’s Club Captain. A student at Tereora College, she thrives on meeting new people, collaborating, and embracing new experiences. Uleina is deeply inspired by this year’s sustainability theme, emphasizing, “With the Cook Islands being a more reserved destination, having sustainable foods is harder to gain as we bring in more preserved foods to help with our survival, which then leads to a large amount of waste.” Her leadership and vision drive the team forward.
Evah (14) – Engineer & Mechanic
Evah brings an undeniable passion for STEM, particularly in space and aerospace topics, to her role as the team’s Engineer and Mechanic. She shares, “I love to learn, and I think joining this club brings me to a place with semi like-minded people to share that with.” Recognizing the challenges of food sustainability in island communities, Evah adds, “Getting food is tough as we mostly rely on imported goods, leading to unhealthy eating habits.” Her drive and curiosity make her an invaluable team member.
Kimi Vogel (17) – Co-Captain & Software Engineer
As Co-Captain and Software Engineer, Kimi balances leadership responsibilities with technical expertise. She maintains the engineering notebook, codes the robot, and manages the drivetrain. Representing the Cook Islands for the second year, Kimi is a seasoned team member who thrives on problem-solving. With aspirations in psychology and criminology, she enjoys exploring complex systems, whether mechanical or human.
Ruby (14) – Support Engineer & Scout
Ruby, a second-year student at Tereora College, has always been fascinated by robotics, technology, and coding. She’s passionate about learning how digital technologies work and dives enthusiastically into her role on the team. As the Support Engineer and Scout, Ruby explores every aspect of robotics, contributing her creativity and determination to ensure the team’s success.
Purotu Enoka (16) – Lead Designer & Strategist
Purotu combines her knack for research and design with a passion for engineering. She is responsible for creating the robot’s lift mechanism and developing the team’s game strategies. Aspiring to a future in aerospace engineering, Purotu explains, “I’ve always had an interest in STEM and hope for a future in it. I want to help people achieve a future full of food, water, and energy.” Her innovative approach helps the team think outside the box.
Jim and Mii Nimerota are the Mentors behind our robotics team’s success, blending technical expertise and visionary leadership to guide and inspire the next generation of innovators.
Jim, the Lead Mentor, specializes in design and engineering, encouraging students to think critically and bring their ideas to life. His hands-on approach and calm problem-solving skills help the team tackle challenges with confidence. “Athens was an incredible experience—not just for its history and culture, but for the way it brought young innovators from around the world together. It was amazing to see our students thrive under pressure throughout the 3 day competition”.
Mii, the Mentor and Team Coordinator, brings her extensive background in tertiary education, IT, and governance to the role. She ensures the team stays organized, motivated, and focused, all while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. “FIRST competitions are life-changing for our youth. They don’t just teach robotics; they instill confidence, teamwork, and a belief that even from a small island nation, you can make a global impact. I’m very proud of what our students have accomplished here.”
Together, Jim and Mii share a passion for empowering youth through STEM, working tirelessly to promote innovation, resilience, and teamwork in the Cook Islands. “Our mission goes beyond building robots—it’s about building futures. Through competitions like FIRST Global, we aim to equip our youth with the skills, confidence, and mindset to tackle real-world challenges using technology. This historic win is proof that Cook Islands youth have the talent and potential to excel on the global stage.”
We hope to inspire more young people in our community to explore STEM education and career pathways, and show that innovation isn’t limited by our geography. Whether it’s through developing sustainable technologies, pursuing engineering careers, or simply discovering a passion for science, we believe this journey is just the beginning. We are looking forward to returning in 2025 and hope more young people consider registering.
If our mission resonates with you, there are a number of ways you can help our Club and our students. Contact us if you would like to volunteer as a mentor or guest speaker, be a sponsor or patron, donate to our club, or collaborate on any STEM events on Rarotonga.
Reach us on connect@cocobots.org or find us on Facebook!
COOK ISLANDS ROBOTICS CLUB 