Culinary celebration of Takurua – Umu Cooking

To celebrate Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance celebrations, Te Mato Manava Turoto/Cook Islands Tourism will present the culinary celebration of Takurua – Taste of the Season, this week.

The first of the three Takurua events – the Secondary Schools Takurua Ta’u Umu will kick off on Friday, February 21, 7.30am – 1.30pm, at Te Puna Korero/National Culture Centre Grounds hosted by Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development.

Tereora College has confirmed three teams, and Titikaveka College two for the Ta’u Umu competition. Nukutere College has not confirmed their participation. The schools will also battle it out in cultural activities and traditional games.

Tauranga Vananga secretary Emile Kairua says the umu is more than just a way of cooking - it’s a vital part of one’s identity.

Kairua said this ancient cooking technique has been a cornerstone of Pacific Island cultures for generations, and it's more than just about preparing food; it’s about preserving heritage and connecting our traditional knowledge with new found innovation.