In preparation for the 34th Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) General Assembly next month, the women of the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) showcased their tivaivai designs and products at the Takamoa Theological College Hall on Thursday.

Mama Tira Patia said the tivaivai project was possible through a grant from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Cook Islands Christian Churchwill be hosting its General Assembly from July 9-16 and the tivaivai will be gifted to the attending leaders/ministers coming from around Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia.

The tivaivai created by Avarua CICC members will be presented to attendees hosted by their church.

Mama Tira Patia shows the tivaivai set she made at an exhibition at Takamoa Hall. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 23061513

Patia, who is the wife of a late reverend, said they began sewing and designing the tivaivai about three months ago.

The 67-year-old said she loves making tivaivai.

“This is my life … I love making tivaivai.”

Tungane Barrett with her set of tivaivai at the tivaivai exhibition at Takamoa Hall. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/23061512

Tugane Barrett who also displayed her tivaivai designs said there are six villages representing the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church and the women worked together to make the exhibition a success.

Mama Setu with Mama Lily Vainerere, Mama Ngaga Samuela, Mama Here and Mama Ngumagatini Vaine. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU /23061515

Tupapa Maraerenga members teamed up while Takuvaine and Tutakimoa joined hands and Ruatonga members worked with Avatiu.

Soon after the 34^th CICC General Assembly, the 200 Year Commemoration of the Arrival of the Gospel celebrations will begin, starting with the Pa Enua of Nga-Pu-Toru – Atiu 19 July, Mauke 23 July, Mitiaro 22 July – followed by Rarotonga on 25 July.

Ane Ravarua shows her set of tivaivai. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 23061516

Initially the General Assembly was scheduled to be held in October 2021 to coincide with Aitutaki’s Bicentennial celebrations, however, due to Covid-19 the meeting was cancelled and pushed forward to 2023 to coincide with Rarotonga’s Bicentennial.

The CICC has 70 branches: 23 each in the Cook Islands and New Zealand and 24 in Australia.