The Regenerative Tourism team, Jeremy Goodwin and Emma Kainuku-Walsh, has been actively engaged in the latest round of Vaka Pride, now in its 28th round, which took place last month.

The Vaka Pride Programme continues to celebrate and uplift the Mana Tiaki values; Peu Maori (our culture), Akono i te Ao Rangi (our environment), Tupuranga Tangata (our community) and Turanga Evangelia (our beliefs) and this round particularly focussed on supporting groups who uphold the Peu Maori Value for Vaka Prides 28^th Round since it was first established by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Peu Maori encompasses a wide range of cultural expressions, including reo maori, traditional arts, and performing arts, all of which are crucial to maintaining the rich heritage of the Cook Islands.

In this round, the nominees presented and showcased their community groups to the Vaka Pride Committee.

Among the highlighted groups and non-governmental organisations were Manava Ora, Te Punanga Reo o Takitumu and Te Toki Tupuna, each bringing unique contributions to the cultural tapestry of the Cook Islands.

Manava Ora showcased their remarkable expertise in traditional storytelling through oral history, dance, and music, capturing the essence of the Cook Islands’ ancestral heritage for tamariki from 6-16 years to be taught and immersed in Cook Islands Culture and Language through lessons in Cook Islands performing arts.

Founder and director, Jackie Tuara and secretary, Keren Aviu highlighted their initiative that emphasise holistic well-being through Cook Islands performing arts, including ukulele, ura (dance), drums, vivo (bamboo nose flute), and more.

Through Manava Ora, students are given the opportunity to connect with Cook Islands culture in meaningful, hands-on ways, ensuring that the heart of the culture – expressed through song and dance – remains vibrant while passing down the stories of the past to future generations.

This dedicated community group has been awarded $4099 to support resources such as ukuleles, pate, vivo, and a hard drive to document the tamariki (children). This vital support will enhance their progress and further development, strengthening their mission to keep Cook Islands culture alive.

Te Punanga Reo o Takitumu, founded by Chiavanni Le’Mon, has an important focus on the revitalisation of the Cook Islands Maori language, through their full immersion pre-school aimed at empowering young learners from six weeks to three years old.

Their focus is to encourage the passing of intergenerational knowledge of reo Māori from our elders down to our tamariki. Through this lens of education, they have established a programme to uphold this learning tool called Ui Tupuna which will begin its initial implementation in January 2025.

Vaka Pride has committed to supporting them with $4000 for this heartfelt initiative that nurtures space for our pepe to learn from our elders through te reo Māori, storytelling, singing, ukarere and a space for intergenerational learning that plays a key role in developing cultural connection at a young age.

Meanwhile, Te Toki Tupuna showcased their inspiring initiative focused on holistic well-being through the celebration and practice of Cook Islands arts. Gina Tavioni-Bamber (director), Shaun Bamber (treasurer), and cultural practitioners Kim Napa and Brent Holley brought to life the meaning of this NGO, promoting traditional carving, painting, pareu dyeing, and nurturing a thriving community of local artists. Their open-door policy and dedicated vananga serve as a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors, fostering creativity, cultural exchange, and connection.

Through this space, Te Toki Tupuna has successfully bridged the gap with communities in Aotearoa, Hawaii, and other connections across Te Moana Nui a Kiva. These connections facilitate the sharing of knowledge, traditions, and stories, strengthening ties and enriching cultural understanding among all Pasifika peoples.

The Vaka Pride Committee has agreed to a pledge, valued at $4000, which will help in building their outdoor shelter as a communal workspace for their community and visitors.

Through each groups work they embody the spirit of Peu Maori, inspiring people to cherish and nurture our Kia Orana Values while embracing sustainable and innovative practices for the future.

Cook Islands Tourism commends all those highlighted in this round of Vaka Pride as they weave traditional knowledge with contemporary approaches to ensure the thriving of our culture and heritage.

• Cook Islands Tourism