Two murals, one depicting the Cook Islands’ marine life and the other representing its societal pillars, were blessed in a ceremony this week.

Te Marae Moana’s ocean themed mural on the seawall and the Airport Authority Cook Islands’ “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural were both blessed and celebrated on Wednesday.

The mural on the Nikao seawall is the longest in the South Pacific spanning across 562 metres, beautifying what was once a plain dreary but strong concrete wall that was built some 50 years ago to protect the road.

The mural depicts the biodiversity and unique aspects of each of the Cook Islands’ 15 islands featuring hundreds of vibrant characters including 67 faces, 33 different bird species, various fish, coral, and traditional imagery.

Rarotonga-based Mexican artist Gonzalo Aldana largely undertook the project with some help and collaboration from local artists. GONZALO ALDANA/23122232

Rarotonga-based Mexican artist Gonzalo Aldana largely undertook the project with some help and collaboration from local artists.

Painting the mural has been a demanding and challenging task for Aldana, taking him about 22 months to complete.

“It’s been a long journey, more a marathon of resistance than a race.”

The mural has used up 34 gallons of paint, 201 spray paint aerosols, approximately 40 brushes, and hundreds of chalks and pencils, and a big heart.

“I hope the people of the Cook Islands like the mural and enjoy it. It has been humbly painted with much respect and love towards and for the people of the Cook Islands,” explains Aldana.

“I am left with damaged knees and lower back pain but with a heart full of experiences, good vibes and happy to see this epic project happening here!

“The Cook Islands is a country small in size but big in the heart. Thanks to everyone for your support and good vibes encouraging me every single day with a beep, a shout, a smile, a drink or a munch.”

Aldana would like to acknowledge and thank the following local artists and visitors for their assistance: Ashley Chaloner Vakapora, Janika Ravelin, Tuaine “Katu” Teiti, Clive Nicholas, Ivon Lee, Pania Lee, Estah Kauvai-Foster, Morgan George, Karaka Teinakirahi, Maya Postrzygacz, Anahera Kemara, Tiare Tito, and Tayla Rapira. 

Teina “Katu” Teiti, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Kevin Iro, Taoro Brown, Gonzalo Aldana and others celebrate the blessing of Te Marae Moana seawall mural. MELINA ETCHES/2312202

He also extends his gratitude to Taoro Brown for providing lunch from Super Brown, Tata Crocombe providing seats, cushions, shade and accommodation, Eddie Chambers for donating 54 spray paint cans, Andrew Whittaker for providing umbrellas, support and accommodation, the Manuela family and the Cook Islands Meteorological Service Office for providing storage for the resources, Rarotonga International Airport for lending the trolleys, Bounty Bookshop for all the fine brushes and the late Brian Morgan for his generous candy and cold drinks for almost a year until his passing    

Aldana also acknowledged Te Marae Moana team of Maria Tuoro, Kevin Iro, Lucile and Tim Meyer, Kora Kora, Byron Brown, Ben Ponia, Minister George “Maggie” Angene and Prime Minister Mark Brown.

The Airport Authority Cook Islands “Te Pou Tūtoru” (Three Pillars) mural was painted by local artist Tuaine “Katu” Teiti.

“Te Pou Tūtoru” depicts the three pillars in Cook Islands society, which are: the Crown – Government, Te Ui Ariki, and the religious body.

“I’m relieved to see it done and put up, it’s such a relief,” says Teiti.

Teiti says the mural took about three weeks to complete with the help of three wonderful ladies, and acknowledged Laurie DeFrain Stemm, Terito Mcquarie and Zhiwen Yun (China) for their support.

“Without the assistance from these women, this mural would not have been completed on time.”

Prime Minister Mark Brown, Pastor Teava Nanai, Kaumaiti Nui Tou Travel Ariki celebrate the seawall Te Pou Tūtoru (Three Pillars) mural. MELINA ETCHES/23122004

The mural was installed in the morning of the official opening ceremony.

Teiti says he is ready to start another mural for the Airport Authority Cook Islands.

At the blessing ceremony, Taoro Brown, chairman of the Airport Authority board, acknowledged the work and effort put in by the staff and the project team preparing for the 50^th anniversary celebration of the Rarotonga International Airport next month.

Prime Minister Mark Brown expressed his thanks to Teiti and Aldana for their talented artistry, and spoke on the values and the purpose of the Cook Islands Marine Park – Marae Moana.

Brown also noted former prime minister Henry Puna for his leadership and Te Marae Moana ambassador Kevin Iro for his vision,

Seacology was also acknowledged for their supporting funds and management alongside the Marae Moana public outreach team that includes the Cook Islands Marumaru Atua – Cook Islands Voyaging Society.