Reclaiming the ‘real’ Rarotongan culture

When CI News published a story recently about licencing problems faced by a new Rarotonga business based on the ‘traditional’ tumunu or bush beer, it grabbed the attention of University of Waikato researcher Dr Apo Aporosa. He offered to write a feature story on the original practices and traditions of the tumunu which were based not on bush beer, but on kava. Dr Aporosa is related to the village of Macuata in Northern, Fiji. His adopted sister is related to Aitutaki. His work at the Hamilton, New Zealand university includes teaching on kava and identity. I HAVE a friend here in New Zealand.

When CI News published a story recently about licencing problems faced by a new Rarotonga business based on the ‘traditional’ tumunu or bush beer, it grabbed the attention of University of Waikato researcher Dr Apo Aporosa. He offered to write a feature story on the original practices and traditions of the tumunu which were based not on bush beer, but on kava. Dr Aporosa is related to the village of Macuata in Northern, Fiji. His adopted sister is related to Aitutaki. His work at the Hamilton, New Zealand university includes teaching on kava and identity. I HAVE a friend here in New Zealand.