Atupare Marae welcomes new shelter, Maori King for ocean initiative

Tui Dewes, Aotearoa New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, had the honour of opening the new Taupare for Atupare Marae, alongside the Minister for Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development, George “Maggie” Angene, last week.

The NZ High Commission partnered with the House of Ariki on the Taupare shelter project, sponsored through the High Commission Fund, serving as an ongoing symbol of the special whakapapa connection to the Cook Islands, and their commitment to strengthening Māori-to-Māori ties.

This afternoon, Te Kiriti Maro Tai ceremony will be held at Atupare Marae to receive Aotearoa’s Māori King, Te Arikinui Tūheitia Paki, and the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative. The initiative aims to provide ocean protection and climate leadership in coordination with Pacific leaders from across the region.

The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative will support groups to utilize traditional Māori customs and practices.

The Hinemoana Halo Ocean Fund (H20 Fund) is a joint Conservation International Aotearoa initiative with seven Indigenous partners from New Zealand, Tonga, French Polynesia, and the Cook Islands.