top of page
KŌRERO O TE `ŌRAU
‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango - January 2019
A collaboration between Kōrero o te 'Ōrau (local NGO focusing on environmental and indigenous issues in the Cook Islands) and Manava Ora o te Ivi Maori (culture-based school for Cook Islands Māori children), teaching children life skills and traditional practices. This school holiday programme was made possible by support from parents and volunteers who believe in what the organizations are trying to achieve, and graciously supported by the Ministry of Agriculture Cook Islands through the Ridge to Reef Project Cook Islands.
‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (school holiday programme) expanded from one branch in Vaka Te-A-O-Tonga in October 2018, to include a second branch in Vaka Takitumu running simultaneously in January 2019. Te-Au-O-Tonga's home base was located at Taputapuātea, with permission graciously given by Ngati Makea to use this special place. Takitumu's home base was located at Te Miromiro Marae (Vaka Village), with permission given by Ngati Manavaroa.
The week long holiday was an amazing culmination of traditional activities ranging from the ridge to the reef. The weather was unpredictable, leading organizers to employ 'Plan B' on a couple days. Nevertheless, the alternative activities run were a huge success! There is already much interest in the next school holiday programme, and it is hoped that a third branch in Vaka Puaikura will come online as well.
bottom of page