The first cohort of students with a quest to enhance and develop further their knowledge of Cook Islands language and culture have graduated from Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu – Cook Islands (Takitumu Performing Arts School).

Teipotemarama Teariki Denny, Rangiteina Rangatira Iriti Maoate, Kauono o Rautea Rangatira Amanda Pauka, Tupe Ariki Rangatira Tamuera Peyroux-Napa, Sareni Pekepo-Poila, Piritau -O-Rau E Miriama Nga and Renall Vogel, proudly received the New Zealand Diploma in Nga Toi (Peu Maori - Level 5), yesterday morning.

Narelle Huata, the Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu – Aotearoa chief executive officer had the honour of presenting the certificates. The tertiary programmes are New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) accredited courses.

Huata is one of the first graduates of the programme that was founded in 1983 in Aotearoa New Zealand by her late father, Tama Turanga Huata, a musician and composer whose life’s work was to ensure all descendants of Te Waka Takitimu knew who they were and where they came from.

Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu – Cook Islands which was launched in August 2021, is a joint initiative with Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu – Aotearoa to establish learning platforms that will nurture Cook Islands language and culture.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s visiting Governor-General, Her Excellency Dame Cindy Kiro attended the special graduation along with Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu – Cook Islands co-founder Pa Marie Ariki, invited guests Tinomana Tokerau Ariki and Makea Karika George Karika and the Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu delegation from Aotearoa.

Speeches were delivered by Maoate Mataiapo Kiriau Turepu, the representative for Pa Ariki and Kainuku Ariki, Dame Cindy Kiro and Te Tohunga Toi Huarewa - Ngahiwi Tomoana. The keynote speakers were Minister Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa and Te Vānanga Are Tapere o Takitumu representative Maui Mataiapo Tuingariki Short.

• Detailed story in tomorrow’s edition