Ewan Smith

Sir Ewan Francis Smith (born 3 April 1951) is a Cook Islands-based aviation executive. He is the founder and managing director of Air Rarotonga.

Early life and family Smith was born in New Zealand on 3 April 1951, the son of Audrey Smith (née Harris) and Elmer Smith, and spent his childhood in Rotorua.

In 1984, Smith married Fenny Veronica Manavaroa in Rarotonga.

Career

Air Rarotonga In 1978, Smith founded Air Rarotonga, and has since served as its managing director. Under Smith’s leadership, Air Rarotonga became one of the Cook Islands' largest private-sector employers, with over 95 percent local staffing.

Governance and appointments Smith has served in various leadership roles in regional tourism and business. He has been chair of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation since 2010, a former chair of the Association of South Pacific Airlines, and served as president of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce in 1996.

Honours and awards In 2009, Smith received a lifetime achievement award at the first Air New Zealand Cook Islands Tourism Awards.

In the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Smith was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Cook Islands business and tourism. In the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours, he was promoted to Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, also for services to Cook Islands business and tourism.