Cook Islands Country Managers

Most Global Volunteers service programs are managed by on-site staff who live in our host communities. Debi Futter Puati and James Puati are Global Volunteers' Cook Islands Country Managers. Our country managers have served on one or more volunteer teams, and each year are required to complete our intensive two-week training seminars in Minnesota. They're experienced in managing diverse groups of people, and are formally evaluated by each volunteer team. Country managers must achieve an established level of performance in order to continue leading Global Volunteers teams.

A native New Zealander, Debi moved to the Cook Islands with her family in 2002 to bring up her children in the heritage of their father, James. Before joining Global Volunteers staff, she worked for the Cook Islands Ministry of Education as the Health and Physical Well-being curriculum developer, and as a health education contractor for the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

"Debi is such a good team leader. I can’t imagine doing as well as I did without her. She left no question unanswered, and communicated so well with everyone!
~ Jody Dyer, Cook Islands volunteer

"I can’t imagine a better team leader! Debi is a fantastic woman who handled her job with terrific people skills, sensitivity, knowledge and a great sense of humor."
~ Merideth Wibery, Cook Islands volunteer

James is a New Zealand-born Cook Islander, and has worked at both elementary and high school levels as a Physical Education teacher and teacher of Maori. He has also contracted to the New Zealand Ministry of Education to develop Maori resources, and as a Pacific Island Education Advisor. He currently owns and operates the Matutu Brewery on Rarotonga. James and Debi, while married and working together, lead teams independently on a alternating schedule.

You'll receive program and contact information from Debi or James approximately four weeks before your service program begins.

"James is a very genuine person. He is always willing to answer any questions you may have. His positive and even-tempered personality kept everyone comfortable and at ease."
~ Kim Leibel, Cook Islands volunteer

"James is very competent, a good leader and very knowledgeable about the Maori traditions and culture."
~ Gail Beaumont, Cook Islands volunteer