In a captivating display of cultural exchange, the Cook Islands group Te Mana Māori from Aotearoa New Zealand embarked on a journey to Bergamo, Italy to showcase and share their heritage.

This visit by Te Mana Māori served as a bridge between the indigenous cultures from around the globe fostering understanding, appreciation and a celebration of diversity.

Te Mana Māori are committed to promoting Cook Islands culture and saw this visit as a remarkable opportunity to share culture through a series of event an interactive session at the Spirit of the Planet (Lo Spirito del Pianeta) festival held from June 1 to 18.

Selina Vainerere-Patia, a member of the group, said” The festival celebrates indigenous people from around the world and we were invited to share our Cook Islands culture at the festival.”

“It’s the first time for the Cook Islands to be represented here.”

Te Mana Māori were connected to the festival directors by Tiare Tito who made contact with Aere Anne (Ma) Nicholas. Nicholas represented Aotearoa at this festival for several years.

Vainerere-Patia said they shared and exchanged knowledge of the indigenous Cook Islands Māori culture - song, dance, stories.

“We showcased a variety of well-known Cooks Islands songs and beats through dance as well as some original songs composed and gifted to us by Arerangi Tongia, and some renditions of our own of the famous Italian songs O Sole Mio, Volare and Quando Quando.”

The team would like to thank their families and friends who supported their cultural exchange tour through sponsorship and fundraising.

“We would like to thank Jarcinda Stowers Ama (Pacifica Arts Centre) and Gina Matepi (Ivanui Pacific) for their support through collaboration and sponsorship.”

The Spirit of the Planet festival is held annually. This year the event attracted 100 exhibitors from the four corners of the globe and showcased performances by groups from South America, Polynesia, Africa and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Te Mana Māori Te Mana Māori group to Italy included Selina Vainerere-Patia, Catalina Kamira, Phil George, Sabina Henry, Christina Cuthers-Piiti, Renee Upoko and Nikki Upoko.