Movember is more than just a month for growing mustaches. It is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

The Movember Cook Islands charitable organisation has one goal – to stop men dying too young.

Led by Reikorangi Ellison, one of the country’s bravest advocates for speaking out about mental health, the Movember Cook Islands movement has engaged the community in Broga, Kai Kai and Korero, and Re-up at Reguvenate (sauna and ice bath).

Yesterday, there was standing room only for the Akairo Creative and Next Tattoo Movember Flash Tatau event in Tupapa.

Local artist Hinano Wearing joins the Movember Cook Islands movement offering tattoos to support men’s health. MELINA ETCHES/24112516

Visitors and locals waited patiently in line for the opportunity to get a tattoo by talented local artists Luther Berg, Hinano Wearing and Raniera Ellison, who generously sponsored their time and resources for this movement.

The Movember Cook Islands campaign wraps up this Friday with the “Help A Bro, Grow A Mo” closing event that will be judged at 10am. Special prizes will be awarded to participants.