Culture “is the heart” of CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation) and for many years the corporation has sponsored various cultural activities and events.

This year CITC and Coca Cola have signed with Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Culture Development) to sponsor $22,000 over the next three years for the “CITC Pump the Beats” Tangi Kaara drumming competition for schools.

At the sponsorship signing ceremony yesterday, Gaye Whitta, CITC general manager, said culture is a part of the Clarke family tradition, “so it’s something that we’re proud to be part of for the future of, not just for CITC, but for culture for the next three years of this programme”.

“Pump water is a product of Coca Cola, the brand that is actually going to support the Tangi Kaara competition, and CITC have worked with Coca Cola to come to the party for the popular event which will be known as CITC Pump the Beats which will feature in June.

“This is something George George (Williamson) has been pushing us to do for many years for us to try and start the drumming competition again from scratch and doing a three-year programme embedded into the schools,” said Whitta.

Williamson will work with Tauranga Vananga to get senior drummers into schools to teach cultural drumming.

“It’s about giving the kids the opportunity to learn their culture and even share it with other kids who have never had this culture before, to learn as well,” Whitta said.

Anthony Turua, Secretary of Tauranga Vananga, said: “We’ve been having support from CITC for a number of years and signing the agreement today (yesterday), it’s also a legacy for us in continuing the sustainability of our culture.”

“Thank you again CITC and also to our business sector who have come on board in support of our culture.”

Last week the Pacific Resort Hotel Group renewed their partnership for the next three years for Te Mire Ura and Te Reo Maori month as their main supporting areas.

Next week from April 3-6, the Korero Maori Speech competition will be held.

Te Mire Ura dance competition will be held on Thursday, April 27 for the Juniors (10 years - Under 14) and Intermediate (14 years - Under 17). The Senior Mire Ura (17 years and older) will be held on Thursday, May 4. Contact Tauranga Vananga to register.