enjoycookislands.com
FREE VISITOR GUIDE
JULY – DECEMBER 2015
EDITION #61
SEE & DO EAT& DRINK NEWS& REVIEWS SHOPPING LOCAL STORIES
PR IME MINISTER TAL KS about 50 years of independence PAGE 3
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CoOK CoOKISLANDS ISLANDSSuN SuN
WELCOME
In this issue
Message from the
Prime Minister
pleasure in extending Iahave to you, and all our visitors, warm Kia Orana and
local Churches and experience the singing of customary hymns. This year is a special one for us, and there will be opportunities to engage in a range of festivities to mark the 50th anniversary of our Constitution. The annual Te Maeva Nui celebrations especially, will be our biggest yet. It promises to be a grand showcase featuring all our Outer Islands’ people, adding richness and vibrancy to local events with traditional singing and dancing.
welcome to the Cook Islands. It is our wish that your stay with us be as memorable and enjoyable as possible – even during the not-so-sunny days! Upon arriving in Rarotonga, it will soon become evident that the Cook Islands is like no other nation in the Pacific – a unique visitor experience that has the comfort and familiarity of home while offering the cultural charm of something new and exotic. Cook Islanders are welcoming and receptive to all and our islands have an open warmth and friendly quality that is unmatched.
ISLAND LIFE & CULTURE
6 The art of ‘ei in the Cook Islands
8 One of the few pearl
carvers in the world, Tokerau Jim 8 The Cook Islands dancer who inspired an artist HEALTH & BEAUTY
10 The amazing story
behind bioactive Cook Islands oils 10 Meet the new owners of the award-winning Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
E
E AITU TAKI MAP & MANGAI A
INCLUDE S MAPS OF ATIU
enjoycookislands.com
THE 2015 GUIDE TO
PHOTO: DAVID KIRKLAND
BUS TIMETA BLE
E
RAROTO NGA MAP INCLUD ES
IN RAROTONGA
in paradise
25 Thomas Koteka
‘From Hungry Horse to Ootu Beach’ 26 Eating Out Guide to Aitutaki
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ATIU
27 The Island of Atiu, pristine, peaceful and un-crowded
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27
12 Significant cultural
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and learning asset opens with traditional ceremony 14 Guide to Eating & Drinking in Rarotonga 17 Island Nights Shows in Rarotonga 18 Te Vara Nui, where Cook Islands culture comes alive 19 Bondi girl, Latvian man, Cook Islands paradise
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Image: Craig Owen
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FRONT COVER IMAGE - Walking along a tropical beach at sunset, Rarotonga - courtesy of travel photographer, Matthew Williams-Ellis (matthewwilliams-ellis.com)
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Williams-Ellis gives 10 tips on taking great photos
Prime Minister & Minister for Tourism
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Honourable Henry Puna
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3 The Prime Minister USEFUL INFORMATION
Kia Manuia
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SEE & DO
talks about 50 years of independence
Please take the time to be mindful of being safe on our roads, as well as the lagoon environment. Many of your fellow visitors will be returnees, travellers who have the wisdom of experience and an appreciation of what the Cook Islands has to offer. We want you to have your own special experience. And come back to visit us, again.
We also pride ourselves on catering for a variety of interests and attractions should you wish to extend your activities beyond the beach! In fact, we encourage you to explore to your heart’s content and learn more about our culture, traditions, and yes – the local food delicacies. We are a Christian nation and everyone is more than welcome to attend
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CoOK ISLANDS SuN
INTERVIEW
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An interview with Henry Puna,
PRIME MINISTER OF THE COOK ISLANDS T
he Prime Minister had been operating a successful pearl farm in Manihiki (since the late 1990s) at the time of the November 2010 General Election. Upon a convincing win in the Election, as Leader of the Cook Islands Party, he assumed the role of Prime Minister. He made a decision to leave the farm to focus on his duty and responsibilities as the country’s leader. The Prime Minister began his parliamentary career as the Member for Manihiki in the 2004 General Election. He lost the snap-election of 2006 but re-gained his seat in 2010. Mr. Puna was a long-serving President of the Cook Islands Party, and gained leadership of the party following the retirement of the late Sir Geoffrey Henry in 2006. In public service during the 1980s and 1990s, Mr. Puna served as head of the departments of Trade, Labour and Transport (TLT); and Tourism and Transport. He also fulfilled duties on a range of boards of state enterprises such as Ports, and Airport Authority. The Prime Minister is a lawyer by profession. He was admitted to the Bar in 1980 in Australia, having studied in Tasmania and Canberra. Mr. Puna was also a partner in private practice in the Cook Islands before entering the civil service.
THE PM’S REFLECTIONS ON THE PAST 50 YEARS OF SELF-GOVERNMENT The years of self-government since 1965 have seen quite significant changes, many highlights of achievements in our maturity as a sovereign state, and a number of important developments in terms of our infrastructure and economy. The Cook Islands has evolved in progressive fashion, driven by growth and success in strategic planning, and policymaking. Politically, the country has matured with increasing levels of competency in international relations, established wide-ranging ties with major economic players, like China, Japan, Korea, and the European Union, as well as key international agencies and organisations. The Cook Islands is also a signatory to high profile treaties and conventions such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Biodiversity. These are real steps that demonstrate selfdetermination and a greater awareness of the role we can play in world affairs. There is no doubt that the conscious decision to open our doors to Tourism in the early 1970s was a fundamental step. The country’s leaders took this path with seriousness and with considerable debate over its potential impacts. Our traditional market of course is the New Zealand traveller but the high mobility of holidaymakers in the broader international market
has spurred us on with rapid change. Our lifestyles today have been greatly influenced and determined largely by the expansion of tourism-related service industries. The mid-90s was a watershed era of change with a rebalancing of our economy in favour of private sector enterprise. Economic reforms were a harsh but necessary pain in order to free up the engine for growth while instituting more robust public administration and accountability. Since the late 1980s, we have had a free and open media – without State intervention and responsible for self-regulation. The levels of transparency in our community have improved over many years and there is broadly-applied accountability through a range of media outlets.
“Self- government has brought a stronger sense of national pride and what it means to be a Cook Islander, despite where one has chosen to live.” We’ve had our fair share of turmoil and instability in government – particularly the late 1970s and early 80s, as well as the early 2000s. I wouldn’t call these low points in our history because they’re part of the ‘growing pains’ of maturity. Our system of democracy provides for the jostling of competing interests and we have a responsibility to learn from our experiences, and build better governance. Cooperative ties both bilaterally and regionally have provided us tremendous opportunity in partnerships for development and the Cook Islands has been fortunate to make considerable advances, including renewable energy development, water supply, and telecommunications. We enjoy one of the highest rates of GDP Per Capita in
the Pacific. We have a sound international reputation as a tourist destination; portray a positive economic performance model; and present a political model of international interest. However, rapid change does account for some of our gaps and shortcomings because the pace of growth has sometimes outstripped the need to adapt. In some sectors for example, we have experienced pressures on our infrastructure, which has been perhaps neglected too long. The high mobility and relative freedom of Cook Islanders mean that more of us live outside of the country than at home. That Human Resource issues would become a significant constraint in the future was probably unforeseen 50 years ago. Nevertheless, self-government has brought a stronger sense of national pride and what it means to be a Cook Islander, despite where one has chosen to live. Our culture is more vibrant than ever and there is broad awareness and a revitalisation of traditional practices, particularly ocean voyaging and navigating.
THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEXT 50 YEARS In many respects, the Cook Islands has always been a nation of opportunity. Despite the challenges and the ‘lows’, we are resilient and have a positive outlook. We know that the challenges, or even failures, are not final. They’re the beginnings of new opportunities to succeed. Sure, there will always be negatives – but those set-backs don’t define who we are as a nation. The Cook Islands has achieved much in 50 years and those achievements will help us set the path for the next 50. Many of our challenges are related to our vulnerabilities as a Small Islands State. For example, our economic base is narrowed by a dependence on Tourism although we have made, and are making, great progress in developing our fisheries. And to a lesser extent, coping with the challenges in the Offshore Financial Sector, and Agriculture. Environmentally, the Pacific of course remains vulnerable
to the impacts of Climate Change, and the Cook Islands is doing everything it can to mitigate and adapt to the effects – including disaster risk management as a result of intensifying cyclones and extreme weather patterns. By 2020, we hope to achieve our Renewable Energy target of 100% so that we are better positioned to contend with challenges in the next 50 years. The Cook Islands as a tourist destination in the near future will be fully ‘clean and green’ – an achievement in which we can all be proud. We will also soon be finalising the framework of our Marae Moana, which will embrace the whole EEZ (exclusive economic zone) of just over 2 million sq km. Under this approach we intend to pursue the future development and management of natural resources: our fisheries and seabed minerals. The latter of course is nearing an important stage of preparation for exploration and trialling, and this activity may well establish some fundamental directions for the future. One of our most important challenges in the coming years is sustainability and the distribution of wealth and opportunity throughout our Outer Islands. The Cook Islands is imbalanced by the tyranny of distance, the remoteness of our smaller communities, and the cost of transport. Rarotonga as most will agree, is the hub of economic activity and development, and draws on the larger share of resources, including people. Our efforts are focused on finding solutions to outward
Prime Minister Henry Puna and First Lady Akaiti Puna in Tukao
migration, while improving infrastructure and economic development opportunity for those less advantaged.
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS AT TE MAEVA NUI IN 2015 Te Maeva Nui (‘the greatest celebration’) is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture that celebrates August 4th 1965, the day Cook Islands gained self governance. Over a ten-day period, from the end of July into the first week of August, locals and visitors can experience many events on the island of Rarotonga. This year’s celebration is a very important milestone, a significant anniversary to all of us. Today’s generations are part of something special – a time in which we can all participate in recording a key moment of history. There is an underlying sadness too because we have lost many of our elders, both men and women, who contributed a
lot to our growth as a nation. We need to honour those who came before us as they are no longer with us to see this event and experience the achievement of having coming so far. There has been a building of excitement because of an expectation that this year will be something really special. Our visitors will get a sense of this anticipation as locals are busying themselves with a range of preparatory activities. Large groups for instance are costume-making utilising local fibres and materials. And teams are practicing hard for the events to come. By the time the celebrations begin, Rarotonga will be sprawling with all our travelling teams from the Outer Islands – we are expecting over 1,000 to make the journey soon. The extra spark this year will be because the whole country is coming together to celebrate. Our visitors will be able to experience the flavours and sights and sounds of our islands and their people, and the performances I think will be really special and unique.
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U S E F U L I N F O R M AT I O N
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TIPS ON HOW TO TAKE AMAZING PHOTOS OF THE COOK ISLANDS Earlier this year, freelance travel, documentary, property and landscape photographer, Matthew Williams-Ellis, enjoyed a week in Rarotonga Based in London, Matthew loves exploring the world, on assignments and photographing personal projects.
1.
Sunrise walks
2.
If you want to capture that killer landscape photo, you are going to require an early start! Look out for interesting foregrounds, like pools of water, the shoreline or patterns in the sand at Muri, such as in this photo. These objects will pick up the beautiful golden morning sunlight and add depth in the photo.
3.
Focus on the details
In contrast the to previous point, don’t forget about the little things in life too. Isolate the small, unique objects that shed more light on the personality of a destination. Think palm-tree leaves, coconuts, food, signposts, items for sale and flower necklaces (Eis). Try Punanga Nui Market on Saturday mornings.
4.
Colours & patterns
Panoramic photography
Photographing colours and patterns, in part, follows on from the point about photographing details. It requires a similar mindset of looking for eyecatching elements within a larger scene. This time however, think ‘abstract’. I took this photo because of the four lines of subtle, complimentary colours.
Travel photography paints a photographic portrait of a destination. It tells a story. One key element in the story telling is setting the scene, and panoramic photography is perfect for this. My one piece of advice is not to include too much in the panorama. Keep the composition simple and free of clutter.
6.
5.
Underwater
Talk to people
It is hard to capture the personality and spirit of a destination without meeting and photographing its people. Punanga Nui Market is a great place to meet locals, and capture some great portraits. Have a fun chat first and your subject will be relaxed when it comes to asking to take their photo.
9.
The clear lagoon waters are one aspect that makes Rarotonga a perfect beach holiday destination. Underwater photography doesn’t need to be expensive. Waterproof cases for cameras or smartphones can be bought for around NZD$40 - a fun addition to your holiday photos.
7.
Experiential imagery
8.
Staying in beachfront accommodation is part of what makes the Cook Islands experience so special. Having views of the turquoise Pacific Ocean from your bedroom is something you will never want to forget. So bring the outside in by including some of the property in the your photographs.
Who made the rule that a selfie should always be of your face? Reinvent the selfie. Zoom out to as wide as possible and photograph your feet, legs, hands or arms. Your friends and family at home will feel like they were right there with you, kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Muri lagoon at sunrise.
Pharmacy
Experiential imagery is great for two reasons. In the ‘reinvent the selfie’ Tip 7, it makes the viewer feel like they are a part of the scene. Also, if you want to sell your photos, experiential imagery is high in demand. Ask your partner to act as a model, or borrow people walking along the beach, as with this photo below.
Accommodation – Bring the outside inside
Reinvent the selfie
Cook Islands
10.
Flying home
On daylight flights, this is a fantastic opportunity to get some beautiful photos, especially if you have a well-positioned seat! The daylight flights in and out of Rarotonga are particularly spectacular, often enabling you to see the whole of the island in one view.
I hope you have a fun time soaking up the Cook Islands vibe and enjoy putting these 10 photography tips into practice. I would love to hear how you get on via my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/matthew.williamsellis).
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I S L A N D L I F E & C U LT U R E
GARLANDS OF LOVE:
the art of ’ei in the Cook Islands
By Jean Mason, Curator of the Cook Islands Library and Museum Society A special occasion in Cook Islands history: the only person knighted on Rarotonga soil, Sir Albert Henry, then PM of the Cook Islands, receives his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II during the royal visit in 1974. All the dignitaries in the room, including Her Majesty, are wearing neck ‘ei. Image: B. Johnson; CILAMS collection)
A
s a visitor, you will have been greeted upon arrival with one of these lovely floral creations, called ‘ei, which are typical to the Cook Islands, Hawaii and Tahiti. Since ancient times, ‘ei have been used to mark special occasions, special people and special objects. ‘Ei are a symbol of friendship, love and respect, used by Cook Islanders in their everyday dress, worn day or night, and on special occasions. ‘Ei are made from flowers such as frangipani, gardenia and the native tiare maori and the leaves of the maire plant. Shell ‘ei, bought from shops, are used to farewell guests, family and friends. For new arrivals, natural flower or leaf ‘ei are used. Besides wearing and giving ’ei, Maori people of the past placed ’ei, as a sign of homage and reverence, on their god images and also used ‘ei to decorate their marae (temples). Today a similar practice continues with ’ei placed on the graves of loved ones, and ‘ei used to decorate the ANZAC monument in the civic centre, as well as by Catholic Cook Islanders to adorn the statue of the
Virgin Mary in front of their churches. ’Ei-sellers were once a common sight on the road in front of the Banana Court in Avarua in the 1970s and on the road outside the Maruaiai, a dance hall of the 1960s and 1970s. Now the sale of ‘ei is confined to Punanganui Market, or a stand at the airport, or are bought directly from known sellers. Many ’ei varieties used to be worn but are now seen only rarely or on special occasions. These historic photos accompanying this artilcee recall those earlier days. See these and other historic photos of the Cook Islands at Museum Cook Islands (Library & Museum Society) in Avarua, opposite University of the South Pacific; open Monday to Saturday, 9am-1pm and on Tuesday, 4pm-7pm. Tel. 26 468 .
FOR THE L
VE OF
A LL TH I N G S PACI F I C
T
ivaevae in the Cook Islands is a traditional form of quilting handmade by local women. They are mostly made for special occasions such as weddings and ceremonies and are not readily available commercially. Tivaevae Collectables in Rarotonga began in 2005 when they saw a demand for this style of product, especially quality Pacificinfluenced bedcovers. Resorts in Rarotonga in particular wanted attractive machine washable bedcovers with that traditional look for their rooms.
“Our customers have a love of all things Pacific. They are mainly Rarotongan and Aitutaki resorts and visitor accommodation, local Cook islanders decorating their homes, visitors from NZ, America and Europe one as far away as Gozo, an island off the coast of Malta. “We called our business Tivaevae Collectables to encourage customers to buy other products in the range to further add Pacific flavour to their homes or accommodation outlets.
Waterproof canvasfabric cushion
As an economical supply of Tivaevae was not available locally, Tivaevae Collectables looked overseas for expert sewers to make their products. Anne Reid who runs Tivaevae Collectables said they found their sewers in Bali. “These wonderful ladies work under the supervision of our agent Suwendra, who is very precise regarding quality control. You can see photo’s of our happy sewers on tivaevaecollectables.com,” said Anne.
“The fabric we use mostly is 85% cotton with just enough polyester that no ironing is required. Machine embroidery of our beautiful hibiscus flowers means we can machine wash without a worry. It is easy care!
“Our Tivaevae duvet covers and bedspreads are popular, as are the cushion covers (in all colours of the rainbow) that bring a sparkle to any room! We also have marine-quality canvas cushion covers in non-fade American Sunbrella fabric”.
The range of Tivaevae Collectables can be viewed in their showroom opposite the Weather Station on the main road at Nikao in Rarotonga or online at tivaevaecollectables.com
STORYBOARDS REFLECT HISTORY
AND CULTURE OF THE COOK ISLANDS
V
isitors have the opportunity to know more about the Cook Islands at many sites of cultural and historic significance, following the unveiling of an information storyboard at the Takamoa Theological College in May, the first of twenty storyboards currently planned by the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. Cook Islands Tourism Corporation CEO Halatoa Fua said: “Most of the sites of cultural and historic significance in the Cook Islands are not well marked… this project addresses this issue.”
The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) is one important organisation that has engaged with the project because of the impact of the Church in the history and culture of Rarotonga.
Storyboard signs will be placed at all six CICC churches on the island. Other sites include Papua Waterfall aka Wigmore’s Falls, and Banana Court, the site of the first hotel in the Cook Islands.
Recently arrived NZ High Commissioner Nick Hurley with Cook Islands Tourism CEO Halatoa Fua, and resident Takamoa students
BOOK
REVIEW
M
ãtini is raw, emotional, and real. On a Saturday evening in 1997, waves tall as coconut trees crashed over the sea- level atoll of Manihiki, stealing 19 lives, irreversibly changing hundreds more. Nearly 20 years on, Cyclone Martin remains the most tragic natural disaster in the recorded history of the Cook Islands. Its impact is still tangible on Manihiki – a 5km ring of coral more than 1000kms from the Cook Islands’ capital. In 2014, the Cyclone Martin Charitable Trust, comprised of cyclone survivors and Manihiki people, teamed up with Cook Islands News’ publisher John Woods to commission a book about how deeply Martin impacted their island and people. Mātini, released 2 July, tells incredible stories that have never been told – tales of survival and courage, tales of people clinging to coconut trees, balancing on floating rooftops, spending days at sea, using sea and sky to navigate back to land. Journalist Rachel Reeves, formerly a reporter for Cook Islands News, interviewed nearly 150 people – survivors, weather experts, and responders who remember Cyclone Martin as the most tragic event of their careers. Rachel was born and raised in California and moved to Rarotonga when she was 21. Her paternal heritage is from Atiu. She was commissioned in February 2014 to research and write this book in seven months. The release of Mātini is timely, as scientists foresee climate change making tropical cyclones worse. The book documents what went wrong during Cyclone Martin, and has lessons to teach about disaster management that apply to the entire Pacific Islands region. Mātini is raw, emotional, and real. It is a book that will break your heart, but will also restore your hope and faith in the human spirit and inspire in you a deep respect for the island people. Royalties go to the island of Manihiki via the Cyclone Martin Charitable Trust. More information available matinibook.com
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B L ACK PE AR L S
l l i k s n e v A God -gi
PERFORMED BY A COOK ISLANDS MASTER PEARL CARVER
T
okerau Jim is a spiritual and deeply religious Cook Islander whose family comes from the island of Manihiki, the heart of the Cook Islands pearl industry. His tribal tattoos and muscular frame seem incongruous with the delicate work he skillfully creates with pearl shells and pearls.
Carving pearl shell
side of Rarotonga. Well laidout, the retail shop is the handy work of Tokerau Jim’s stylish wife, Nicky. Tokerau Jim also has a stall at the Punanga Cultural Market on Saturdays where he demonstrates pearl carving. Tokerau Jim met Nicky in India whilst he was on mission work with ‘Youth with a Mission’ in the late 1990s.
Tokerau Jim is an unassuming expert pearl carver and dedicated family man. He is one of only a few pearl carvers in the world.
“I grew up in Rarotonga, although I did spend two years in Manihiki when I was 11 and 12. Pearl farming wasn’t really happening then in the 1980s,” said Tokerau Jim.
His workspace and retail shop at Matavera is on the eastern
“After school, I went from job to job, trying different
things out. Then I became an Immigration Officer in the Northern Group island of Suwarrow for a year and a half while my father was the island’s caretaker and our family were the only residents.” “My father is also carver, he has carved a lot of woodwork. He has built boats and houses. My mother is an artist”. Tokerau Jim started carving as a hobby in the early 1990s, but soon began supplying his carvings to the Beachcomer Gallery in Avarua. But, just as his carving business was building up he chose to spend the next four years in India with ‘Youth with a
Mission’, a missionary training organisation. On arrival back in Rarotonga in 1997 with Nicky on his honeymoon, he was invited to become artist-in-residence at the Beachcomber. His vocation as a pearl carver was sealed. He staged his first exhibition with his collection of motherof-pearl carvings. He then set up his pearl carving business, buying equipment and working full-time carving. Today, Tokerau Jim carves black pearls and shells into attractive, affordable works of art. His work is distinctive in that he uses a lot of layering, a technique that gives his designs depth.
Tokerau Jim When considering the future of his business, he said that he would like his children to take over, but he would not force them. “Our three children are only 15, 10 and 5, so there is time for them to consider. “One thing I would like to do one day is to set up a Polynesian pearl carving school to ensure the traditional skills are passed down to another generation”. Tokerau Jim’s working day starts between 4-5 am. The first thing he does is to thank his God for giving him the opportunity to do what he does, surrounded by his family.
The Cook Islands dancer who inspired an artist D ancer and choreographer, Jackie Tuara, has a deep passion for Cook Islands dance. She has danced for as long as she can remember, including with the Ta’akoka Dance Troupe. “The dancer expresses the meaning of songs and drum beats. The spirit runs free, you can be spontaneous and get caught up in the moment,” said Jackie. “I enjoy the creativity of choreography and costume making, and seeing it develop into reality on stage. That
is what Te Maeva Nui is for me - an exciting journey shared with many people who make that whole final performance happen”. Jackie has been involved with the Cook Islands biggest annual celebration, Te Maeva Nui, since 2001, this year as cultural coordinator for
Vaka Takitumu Dance Team. She has also assisted contestants in Miss Tiare, Miss Cook Islands and Miss South Pacific prepare for the competitions: “Working on choreography for talent sections, designing and making costumes, chaperoning and working with the girls to bring out their best qualities, giving them the confidence to step out into the public arena”. Born and bred on Rarotonga, Jackie went to New Zealand to gain her Bachelor of Arts degree.
“After graduating, I lived on Manihiki with Raymond, my then partner, now husband, and his family working on their family pearl farm. “After two years, I returned to Rarotonga to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as International Relations Officer. “In 1998, Raymond and I went into business. With his vast experience in the pearl farming industry and my two years working a pearl farm labourer, a business in pearls seemed inevitable!”
Jackie with Krystina Kauvai-Tatuava, 2006 Miss Cook Islands and Miss South Pacific, at last year’s Te Maeva Nui.
Jackie Tuara in the Moana Gems Pearl & Art Gallery in Avarua
They started Ora Moana Ltd, a pearl industry wholesale company, and Moana Gems retailing fine pearl jewellery: “Raymond takes care of the wholesale and I look after Moana Gems”. Seven years ago, Moana Gems was refurbished to become Moana Gems Pearl and Art Gallery. “We now also sell men’s jewellery and Cook Islands works of art by Judith Kunzle and Allan Tuara”. Judith Kunzlé lives in Hawaii today, but she spent many years in the Cook Islands studying Polynesian dance.
In 2007, Jackie performed with the Vaka Takitumu Dance Team at Te Maeva Nui in a dance she choreographed.
“I met Judith in 1990. Discovering I was a dancer she asked me to sit for her holding dance poses. I helped
Judith understand the dance movements. These sessions were studies from which she developed her Cook Islands dance works of art on paper and canvas.” A visit to Moana Gems Pearl and Art Gallery in uptown Avarua is a pleasant experience. Jackie has some advise for people wanting to invest in genuine Cook Islands pearls. “Always ask for a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing the quality, shape and size of the pearl you have purchased and that it is indeed a Cook Islands Black Pearl, as there are also dyed Chinese freshwater pearls, reconstructed ‘pearls’ made from pearl shell, and ‘pearls’ made of glass. Make sure you ask for that Certificate!”
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Pearls for Pandora Carved Pearls Shell and Bone Jewellery
OPENING HOURS Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm Tokerau Jim’s shop at Matavera - main road on eastern-side before Muri Beach
Saturday morning, 8am-12pm Tokerau Jim’s shop at Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, with pearl carving demonstrations and free name engraving.
Lesley & Temu Okotai Harbour House, Avatiu, ph 20 635 email: temu@mblackpearl.co.ck
www.tokeraujim.com
GRADING GUIDE TO COOK ISLANDS BLACK PEARLS This information is a guide for visitors who want to buy a Cook Islands pearl. The criteria and standards are endorsed by the Cook Islands Pearl Authority to promote uniformity and consistency in the classification and grading of Cook Islands cultured pearls. These represent minimum standards and thresholds for each grade. A higher grading standard may be applied by a retailer or pearl grader.
Visual Grade Perfect
Surface Quality Surface is free from any blemish, ordefect visible to the naked eye.
Lustre Excellent
A
Over 90% of the surface has no blemishes or defects; 10% or less of the surface has one or two slight blemishes (confined within one segment on the surface of the pearl).
High to excellent
B
70% or more of surface is free of blemishes or defects; 30% or less of the surface has slight blemishes (within area of segment).
At least Average or better
C
50% or more of surface is free of blemishes or defects; 50% or less of the surface has slight
At least Average or better
D
30% or more of surface is free of blemishes or defects; 70% or less of the surface has blemishes, with up to 30% deeper blemishes (within area of segments).
Dull or better
No side is free of blemishes, or defects; over 30% of surface has deep blemishes
Dull or better
Low grade pearl
What is Lustre? Surface quality and lustre are very critical factors in determining a pearl’s grade. However lustre is what separates the inferior pearl from the superior and the ordinary from the extraordinary. For example if the surface quality is an “A” category but with a “dull” lustre, the pearl would be graded down to a D.
What are the categories for lustre? Excellent
Exceptional shine; mirror-like and sharp reflection
High
Less shine than ‘excellent’ but reflection is well defined
Average
Shine and reflection are average
Dull
Very little shine or reflection; appears chalky, milky or dull.
Enquiries to COOK ISLANDS PEARL AUTHORITY, PO Box 153, Rarotonga | T 29 055 | F 29 045 | E pearlinfo@pearlauthority.co.ck
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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y
TRUTH & INTEGRITY lend their name to a unique skin care range born in the Cook Islands G
raham Matheson grew up in Cook Islands playing rugby and rugby league. Players regularly sustained injuries that were treated with traditional medicine that resulted in inexplicable and speedy recoveries. Graham was fascinated by this phenomenon and wanted to find out why traditional medicine could do certain things better with bone and skin healing than modern medicine. As it happened, Graham chose medicine as his career gaining a scholarship to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medical School in Sydney. He graduated as a doctor, gained
his Masters in Bio Medical Engineering and completed his PhD studies on the effects of traditional Cook Islands medicine He is also a partner in the skin care company, Te Tika, operated by CIMTECH (Cook Islands Medical Technology). Occasionally there is a dramatic breakthrough in the ‘science’ of skin care; the Te Tika Skin Care range is one of those. It all began with Dr. Matheson’s question about whether traditional Cook Islands medicine could be used more formally to help heal injured bones and skin. “In 2003, I asked Professor Bill Walsh from the Orthopedic Centre next to the UNSW to
set up a pilot study to study bone regeneration,” said Dr. Matheson. “We needed permission to proceed from the Cook Islands traditional leaders, the Koutu Nui. “Natural plant remedies have been used in the Cook Islands for centuries when the islands were ruled by high chiefs (Ariki) and their council of traditional leaders (Koutu Nui). Dr. Matheson approached Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid, a traditional chief from the district of Takitumu on Rarotonga, and the President of the Koutu Nui. With the full support from the Koutu Nui, a partnership was formed that is CIMTECH today, and which includes the
Koutu Nui and the University of New South Wales. Over the first few years, the research program began to point CIMTECH towards concentrating on skin regeneration. “The research revealed the presence of regenerative agents, one with remarkable effect on the biology of the top layer of the skin. The investigation demonstrated that the extracts greatly improved the skin layer without irritant or inflammatory changes,” said Dr. Matheson. Koutu Nui’s Dorice Reid was instrumental in the progressive development of the skin care range when she stated emphatically: “If this does what you say it does, every woman is going to want to put it on her face.”
Not directly named after Dorice, Te Tika was one of several names widely tested by an independent marketing company. It translates as ‘truth and intergrity.’ Today, regenerative plants are grown and refined by CIMTECH in the Cook Islands using special techniques. These Bioactive Cook Islands Oils are the ‘secret’ behind the effectiveness of the Te Tika Skin Care range. Dr. Matheson said that in a recent research study over a four-week period with individuals from 18 to 80 years, that 100% of respondents noticed a difference in their skin. Over
Graham Matheson in his Cook Islands lab
90% reported their skin being smoother and softer with more even tones, and 80% reported a much brighter complexion. 65% noted a reduction in their wrinkles. “But more importantly, all the people that used Te Tika reported other people had noticed that their skin had visibly improved”. See the full range of Te Tika Skincare products at CITC in Avarua.
THE VERSATILE FRUIT OF THE COCONUT PALM Rito is the name for the new growth of coconut fronds that is used in weaving. In Cook Islands Maori, rito literally means the source or the essence of something. Rito Cook Islands has incorporated a weave pattern into the packaging design of their coconut oil-based skincare product range. Rito Cook Islands is a local business owned by Robert and Susan Wyllie who moved to the Cook Islands from New Zealand a few years ago for a ‘sea change’. Susan’s father is an NZ-based Cook Islander. Robert was in property development, and Susan, who comes from a beauty industry background, has
always wanted to develop her own product range. “When we moved here we saw the opportunity to start a skincare range and incorporate coconut oil into the formulations. We produce our own coconut oil so we can guarantee the quality of the oil,” said Robert.
Rito products are made with cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, prepared in the village of Tikioki. The Rito range now includes eye cream, after-sun soothing gel, facial moisturiser, mask and scrubs, body butter, soaps, culinary oils and massage oils. The Rito skin care range is used in some spas in Rarotonga.
Natur ally active skincare products made on the island of R arotonga
“We have our skincare range at the Muri Beach Club Hotel as they have a commitment to use locally-produced products that are of high quality and reflect the environment in which we live. “Visitors to the Cook Islands are our main customers, however there are an increasing number of locals now using the range.
We also have customers who have bought Rito products here and want more when they return home, so we have a growing export market as well.
is the After Sun Soothing Gel that contains ingredients to help repair skin and to moisturise the skin. I use it all the time and it work really well for me!”
“From our range I like to show off the Revitalising Moisture Cream. It is full of active ingredients and hydrates your skin nicely. Another star product
Visit Robert and Susan at Rito Cook Islands on the main road at Tikioki, towards Muri, 150m past Fruits of Rarotonga, or at Te Punanga Nui market on Saturday mornings.
Rumours have it!
R Soothing Cleansing Milk Hydrating Radiance Mask Skin Perfecting Facial Scrub Revitalising Eye Cream Revitalising Moisture Cream Revitalising Moisture Body Lotion After Sun Soothing Gel Tamanu Oil
ecently, Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa in Muri were accepted into TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for producing outstanding reviews five years in a row; and, Rumour’s Waterfall Spa was recently awarded, for the 5th year running, the Best Spa in the Cook Islands in the World Luxury Spa Awards.
Belle & Drew Griffin
Virgin Coconut Oil
Visit 150m past Fruits of Rarotonga on the road to Muri or at Te Punanga Nui market on Saturday
Call 20 134 or 75 951 Email info@ritocookislands.com
In their euphoria, Rumours Waterfall Spa is offering Cook Islands Sun readers a 10% discount on any treatment, all they have to do is mention THE SUN when booking on 22 551, or by email on info@rumours-Rarotonga.com Behind the jubilation are two hard working and fun-loving Australians, Andrew and Belinda Griffin, formerly of the award-winning Qamea Resort & Spa in Fiji. Belinda met Andrew 30 years ago and it was ‘love at first sight’. Together they worked in hospitality in Queensland, studied at university together, then set up their own businesses ranging from fashion design to Aboriginal art, to running their own national film festival raising money for youth suicide prevention, all this whilst raising two children, Annika 29, and Jack 21.
Belinda and Andrew over the years have worked in resorts, first in Fiji then Vanuatu, more recently finishing a contract at the five-star Qamea Resort and Spa back in Fiji. “We were offered Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa in Muri. We actually bought the business sight unseen!” Waterfall Spa
“Rumours is a stunning property with an outstanding reputation. It is a prime beachfront property, wonderfully private, luxurious, though it’s ‘not’ a resort. “And then there’s the Waterfall
Spa! Our therapists are very passionate about what they do. They take good care of their guests who choose from massages, facials, body scrubs, masks through to our escape packages - most popular are our ‘Romance Couples’ and ‘Escape Together’ massages that conclude with champagne or organic juices. We also offer Vichy shower massages where the therapist uses adjustable shower jets to guide up to 50 litres of water per minute to achieve a whole body water massage treatment. “We are loving life in Rarotonga. The people are super friendly, we love the pace, the laughter, we love our happy guests from all over the world, we love the wonderful restaurants, beach bars and the many activities. It is a great place with so much to offer!” As our favourite saying goes: We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us!
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H E A LT H & B E A U T Y
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RESTAURANT & BAR
Romantic Beachfront Weddings on Muri Beach
THE Multi Award Winning
We offer full wedding planning services for your special day at this idyllic location
Ceremony • Reception • Cake • Canapes • Cocktails • Party Find out more: www.sailsrestaurant.co.ck email:dine@sailsrestaurant.co.ck
Ph 27 349
★★★★★
WAT E R FA LL SPA I N D O O R WAT E R FA L L S VICHY SHOWER C O U P L E S R O M A N C E M A S S A G E S & VA R I O U S O T H E R M A S S A G E S H A L F D AY E S C A P E S FAC I A L S & B O DY S C R U B S PEDICURES & MANICURES F U L LY T R A I N E D T H E R A P I S T S
M A I N R O A D, M U R I B E A C H , R A R O T O N G A + 6 8 2 2 2 5 51 info@r umour s-r arotonga.com w w w. r u m o u r s - r a r o t o n g a .co m RumoursSpa_JULY_15_2_3.0.indd 1
10/06/15 9:07 AM
Inspired by the unspoiled beauty of the Cook Islands A key ingredient in the TeTika® Skincare range, Bioactive Cook Islands Oils are the result of intense research into the traditional Cook Islands medicinal practices. These remarkable oils have a rejuvenating effect on the epidermis of the skin.
N LA
D S B I OAC T I
VE
A
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IN
IS
L
M
D
AN
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COO
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OI
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See the full range of the TeTika® Skincare products at CITC Pharmacy in Avarua.
THE COOK
AVA I L A B L E AT
www.citc.co.ck • www.tetika.com.au PHARMACY
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D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
CULTURAL & LEARNING CENTRE HANDED OVER IN TRADITIONAL CEREMONY R
arotonga’s Highland Paradise Cook Islands Cultural Centre is already a multi award-winning tourism icon. Now, thanks to a grant of NZD $147,000 from the Government of Japan, a new feature has been added in the form of a cultural and archeological centre highlighting Cook Islands’ ethnicity and history, in particular the story of the Tinomana tribe, the traditional landowners whose ancestors have created and now operate, Highland Paradise. In April, the Japanese Ambassador for New Zealand, Mr. Yasuaki Nogawa, attended a ceremony at the Highland Paradise Cultural Centre to officially hand over the structure, called the Maungaroa Learning Centre. The historic occasion was
attended by traditional, religious and political leaders, including Puaikura Paramount Chief Tinomana Ariki (Tokerau Munro), who jointly opened the building with Mr. Nogawa, and The Queens Representative for the Cook Islands, Tom Marsters with his wife Tuaine.
Maungaroa Learning Centre
Teuira Pirangi greets Puaikura Paramount Chief Tinomana Ariki (Tokerau Munro)
The event was followed by a feast and entertainment
Guests received a traditional welcome.
Managing director Teuira Pirangi, whose father, the late Raymond Pirangi, originally had the vision and initiated Highland Paradise in 1970, represents the seven custodians (Rangatuia) of the mountains at Mungaroa where Highland Paradise is located. Addressing the Japanese Ambassador, she said. “Today, we honour the wonderful gift from your government and your people, which will be developed and maintained along the lines of traditional respect and ancestral preservation.
acknowledged that the Centre was an important cultural asset that would promote Cook Islands art and handicraft techniques, as well as preserved traditional skills in agriculture and fishing.
“The unique tribal costumes are part of the ‘Ka’ara – Drums of our Forefathers’ show that tells King Tinomana’s life story in dance and music, performed by his descendants,” said Teuira Pirangi.
The eye-catching traditionalstyle building uses natural light and space to display its exhibits.
The Maungaroa Learning Centre features a collection of art, artifacts, interpretation panels and tivaevae, including ceremonial costumes of the sub-chiefs of Maungaroa.
Mr. Nogawa said the Government of Japan was pleased to be able to provide a grant for Centre and thanked those involved in driving the project. Mr. Nogawa
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre presents a cultural show and umu feast weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday at 5pm, which includes a visit to the Learning Centre.
“Those who want an authentic Cook Islands cultural experience should visit Highland Paradise.”
“You see before you a beautiful building based on the vision that the Rangatuai shared with me. Now we are at the beginning of the real journey to build up our centre, to work with the archeologists, and to foster the preservation of our stories and our lives”.
“It is an hour of energetic performance and music.”
For more information call 21 924 or visit highlandparadise.co.ck
A true Cook Islands adventure A highlight on a holiday on Rarotonga for many is taking a break from the beaches and lagoons to explore the jungle and mountains on a quad bike.
“The Guide always keeps all vehicles in full view in his mirror and never ‘zooms off ’ without someone in sight,” said Moana.
An escapade with Coconut Tour’s Quad Tours drives through the interior encountering landscapes and valleys. Rain or shine, the tours go ahead.
“You’ll be surprised how many ‘mature age’ people do this tour. They return proud of what they achieved. Also, about 40% of participants are women who have never touched a quad in their life. They just love the thrill of what we offer”.
Owner of Coconut Tours, Moana Hunter, explains that the guide does a full briefing and orientation prior to tour departure.
Moana said that as with any off-road activity, there is an
element of danger but their guides are trained and guests are briefed: “Everyone does need to be responsible and safety is our number one priority! No experience is needed as quads are fully automatic Yamaha 350 cc, and very easy to drive”.
Coconut Tours is located on the roadside of central Muri, sharing the same property with Te Vara Nui Village, next to Pacific Resort and in front of the Muri Beach Club Hotel. Call 24 004 for more information.
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AWARD-WINNING CULTURAL SHOW & ‘UMU’ FEAST
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre
DRUMS OF OUR FOREFATHERS
SHOWTIMES \ MONDAY \ WEDNESDAY \ FRIDAY @ 5PM INCLUDES \ RETURN TRANSFERS \ VILLAGE TOUR \ KIA ORANA COCKTAIL TRADITIONAL UMU FEAST AND OUR AUTHENTIC CULTURAL SHOW BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL \ CALL 21 924 \ WWW.HIGHLANDPARADISE.CO.CK
Matutu – the taste of the Cook Islands. Started in 2006 100% locally owned
Amazing beers Made using sustainable practices
No added preservatives All natural ingredients
Handcrafted by E. Newnham & J. Puati
Tours Daily at 12pm and 1pm. Tour only $10. Transport & Tour $15. Free beer tasting on tour. Visit us in Tikioki, Titikaveka. Telephone. 26288. Email. ennn@oyster.net.ck
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D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Eating&D IN
21 ARA T APU
2
1
2
ARORANGI
6
Enjoy fabulous ocean views, great dining and friendly Polynesian hospitality.
RD
5 AKAOA N
CALL 22 415
“Arrive as a guest. Leave as a friend.”
4
RD
4
Enjoy delicious Pacific-rim cuisine, all-day breakfasts and lunch, fresh breads and wood-fired pizzas, with a choice of inside or alfresco dining.
OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
AVARUA
NIKAO
12 10 22 19 13 20
RUTAKI 8 9
Open 7.30am-3.00pm Monday to Saturday. Located in central Avarua, next the CITC Shopping Centre.
VAIMA 7
ARA T APU
T: 22 215 | E: cafe@salsa.co.ck www.salsa.co.ck
5
6 ARORANGI
Servin
lunch and
GREAT FOOD GREAT SUNSETS GREAT BEACH BAR GREAT MUSIC
Open lunch & dinner Tuesday-Sunday
Idyllic venue for weddings and group functions
CALL CHRIS OR AKISI ON 22161
www.waterline-restaurant.com
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12
13 SPECIAL
Seafood Platter for 2
80
$
Courtyard, Beachcomber Building AVARUA – Telephone 21 283
THE TUMUNU
Tropical Garden Setting ~ A-LA-CARTE MENU fresh seafood, steaks, vegetarian & kids meals ~ Open 7 nights from 6pm ~
Reservations CALL 20 501
www.tumunurarotonga.com
D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
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Drinking
2
RAROTONGA 11
1
3
A
AANGA
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TUPAPA
3
Map Location References 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
MATAVERA
NGATAnGIIA 16 15
MURI TITIKAVEKA
3 17 18
7
8
2 LOCATIONS AVARUA & MURI VILLAGE
Club Raro Cafe Salsa LBV – Avarua & Muri Village Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar Crusoes Restaurant & Bar The Waterline Restaurant & Bar The Yellow Hibiscus Restaurant Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill Sanctuary Rarotonga Spaghetti House The Cafe Albertos Restaurant The Tumunu Restaurant & Bar Tamarind House The Rickshaw La Casita Mexican Cafe Sails Restaurant & Bar Silver Sands Restaurant – Page 16 Windjammer Restaurant – Page 17 Beaches Restaurant – Page 18 The Islander Restaurant – Page 19 Oceans Restaurant – Page 17
BAKERY & CAFE CATERING SPECIALTY FINE WINE
ASK ABOUT OUR EVENING DINNERS AT MURI
RESERVATIONS CALL 28 619 MURI OPEN DAILY CALL 28619 AVARUA MON-FRI CALL 27619 LEBONVIVANTRAROTONGA
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Love Seafood? SEAFOOD PLATTER for TWO!
ng breakfast, d dinner daily
Fabulous Food! Divine Cocktails! Sea Views! Stunning Sunsets! ENJOY POOLSIDE DINING CABANAS! All-day Dining 7am-9pm | Casual Diners Welcome Island Nights | Private Candlelit Dining
• Sizzling Fajitas | Club Sandwich • Beer Battered Fish+Chips • Bacon, Beef+Cheese Burger • Beach Boy Rump Steak+Eggs • Fisherman’s Big Game Catch • Prawn or Chicken Caeser Salad • Surf+Turf | 300gm T bone • Delicious Curries | Vegetarian • Seafood Platters for 2 | Banana Fritters • Pizzas | Tasty Pastas | Nachos
FREE BOTTLE BUBBLY! Only $99 for TWO! SANCTUARY RAROTONGA-ON THE BEACH
BOOK NOW 25800
info@rarotongan.co.ck www.TheRarotongan.com
BOOK NOW 25800
9
Swim-up Pool Bar@Sanctuary Rarotonga
14
Succulent fresh seafood, prawns, scallops, calamari, oysters, fish cakes, fresh-off-the-boat fish, crayfish bisque!
15
16
17 RESTAUR A NT & BA R Open 7 days from 8am ‘til Late
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Snacks Full Bar with Lounge seating Happy Hour 4-6pm Mon to Sat Sports TV – Regular Live Music Wireless Internet Sailing Regattas most Saturdays
Weddings & Private Functions MURI CALL 27 349
BEACH www.sailsrestaurant.co.ck
MURI BEACH CLUB HOTEL PHONE: 23000 EMAIL: info@muribeachclubhotel.com
www.muribeachclubhotel.com
The
Spa
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D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
ISLAND NIGHT SHOWS ON RAROTONGA No trip to the Cook Islands is complete without one (or more outings) to a traditional ‘Island Night’ show. They are colourful, energetic and entertaining and, combined with a buffet-style feast, they are good value for money. Enquire about the different styles of Island Nights on offer; some are smaller, intimate shows, others larger, spectacular shows with bigger audiences. Always book to avoid disappointment. MONDAY
BUFFET / SHOW
TELEPHONE
Highland Paradise (starts with Village Tour)
5.00pm/8.00pm
21 924
Te Vara Nui Cultural Village (Village Tour 5pm)
7.30pm/8.30pm
24 006
Edgewater Resort & Spa
7.00pm/8.30pm
25 435
The Islander Hotel
7.00pm/8.30pm
21 003
THE CROWN BEACH RESORT & SPA is well positioned on Rarotonga’s sunset coast on a lagoon-front location amongst five acres of gardens and a private beach. Our boutique resort offers beachfront villas and private suites, three world-class restaurants, a full-service spa and beauty clinic, and every guest facility you will need for a perfect holiday in the Cook Islands.
TUESDAY
OCEANS RESTAURANT & BAR* is a relaxed private all-day dining retreat on the waterfront with stunning vistas
of the beach, blue lagoon and daily sunsets.
WEDNESDAY Highland Paradise (starts with Village Tour)
5.00pm/8.00pm
21 924
Muri Beach Club Hotel
7.00pm/8.00pm
23 000
The Rarotongan Resort & Spa/Sanctuary
7.00pm/8.00pm
25 800
Enjoy happy hour
between 4.30pm-6.30pm daily.
ISLAND NIGHT
THURSDAY Crown Beach Resort
7.00pm/8.30pm
23 953
Te Vara Nui Village (Village Tour 5pm)
7.30pm/8.30pm
24 006
at Oceans on Thursday features a Polynesian buffet, delectable desserts, and an exciting performance by the Akirata Cultural Dance Troupe. $55 Adults/$30 Children (3-12). Bookings recommended.
FRIDAY Highland Paradise (starts with Village Tour)
5.00pm/8.00pm
21 924
Edgewater Resort & Spa
7.00pm/8.30pm
25 435
Te Vara Nui Village (Village Tour 5pm)
7.30pm/8.30pm
24 006
SATURDAY
WINDJAMMER RESTAURANT
Note: times are correct at time of publication, but some days, venues may/will change seasonally.
WINDJAMMER RESTAURANT* offers innovative Italian cuisine by renowned Chef de Cuisine Carlo Poli.
SPA ARIKI book into our beautiful spa for a soothing massage, a therapeutic spa or a rejuvenating facial. Spa Ariki presents a peaceful sanctuary to soothe your soul, revive your senses and rejuvenate your body.
Enjoy Crown Beach Resort – “we have it all in the one location”. CALL 23 953 FOR BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES
or email info@crownbeach.com Main Road, Arorangi www.crownbeachresort.com *Complimentary bottle of beer, glass of wine or spirit, with each main course meal.
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D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
TE VARA NUI
Where Cook Islands culture comes alive!
Since its opening in 2010, Te Vara Nui’s ‘Spectacular Overwater Night Show’ and Buffet’ has been experienced by thousands of visitors.
B
uilt by husband and wife, Moana Hunter and Fodil Nair, and inspired by Vara Hunter, Moana’s mother and a former wellknown Cook Islands cultural performer, Te Vara Nui stands apart from other cultural shows. Moana describes Te Vara Nui as: “A stunning entertainment venue where Cook Islands culture comes alive! Set in botanical gardens and a large pond, the venue is breathtaking and the services we provide are very professional and often mentioned to us as ‘world class. “The ‘Combo Extravaganza’ is the most popular option. The Combo offers the full cultural experience
in five hours of entertainment. The first part is the Cultural Village Tour starting at 5pm, followed by the ‘Spectacular Over Water Show and Dinner’. It is offered a reduced rate with more inclusions so it is excellent value for money with transfers, drink on arrival, shell l’ei. Guests just need to book and leave the rest to us!” said Moana. “Guests are ‘pleasantly surprised’ with the Village Tour. Many mention how glad they were to have upgraded to include this tour with its demonstrations and hands-on involvement. “We also hear how guests the love the food. We offer an Island Western Fusion Buffet, which covers local delicacies, and a variety of meats including pork, chicken, lamb, plus a large salad
bar and vegetarian and gluten free options so something for everyone including families with young children”. Moana said that what sets Te Vara Nui apart from other island shows is it is all performed over water by flaming torchlights on floating and fixed stages in their waterfall garden. “The show itself is based on a story ‘The Legend of Tongaiti’ that offers a mix of theatrical and island night dancing. It’s highly visual and has a beautiful storyline that people can follow. “Te Vara Nui is enjoyed by people of all ages. We have a great team of professionals who take pride in everything they do. We are very proud to showcase our culture to the world in the best way we can!”
Open
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.ck
E x pe r i e n ce t h e ma
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Beaches
f a tr
Restaurant & Bar
Spectacular
Over Water Night Show & Buffet Dinner! LOCATED MURI BEACH |
7 d a ys – Ca
Ph: 24006
u e Po l y
n e s i a n p a ra d i s e … .
For Reservations Phone +(682) 22 461
e!
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
BONDI GIRL
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’S E N O Y R E V E INVITED!
LATVIAN MAN COOK ISLANDS PARADISE Julie and Eric
A LL DAY H A P PY H O U R
Julie Bateman outside Jetsave Travel
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ustralian Julie Bateman came to the Cook Islands for a holiday thirty-five years ago when the islands were the best kept secret in the South Pacific and the tourism industry was all but non-existent. “I came here for a three-week holiday in 1980,” said Julie. “I am a Bondi girl, so I wanted a place with a bit of nightlife, lots of sun and a few daytime activities”. At the time Julie worked for the Commonwealth Bank in Australia. “The National Bank was the only bank in the Cook Islands then. During my holiday, I was invited to a cocktail party and the manager offered me a position as a trainer.” The job eventually fell through, but it was not all bad news for Julie! “I met my future husband Eric in the first couple of days. He had the Tumunu Garden Bar, which is now the Tumumu Restaurant and Bar.” Tumunu means coconut tree or a social gathering place for food and drink. Julie said that in 1980, the Tumunu was one of the two nightspots on the island; the other being Banana Court. “Curious animal houses, is how
I describe them in those days – wild and woolly.” Eric was born in Latvia, raised in Wales, and immigrated to New Zealand. “I met him when he was selling raffle tickets for a village fundraiser. He invited me out a few nights later to the Tumunu. “We were together most of the time I was on holiday. I was at a cross roads with my job in the CBA. I was ready to make a move to a smaller quieter place. When I returned to Australia, Eric and I wrote to each other regularly; then he invited me to come back and stay. I first met him in March on holidays and moved to Rarotonga to live in July 1980.” By the time Julie had returned, the National Bank offer had fallen through. “I wanted to be independent financially so I first worked for the Money Saver Supermarket in Arorangi as secretary to John Scott. When I wasn’t working in the office, I was out there packing boxes getting to know people.” Julie tried other jobs, but eventually got a permit to work in the Tumunu with Eric. They married in August 1986. In the early 2000s, Julie decided to go to Australia and retrain formally in office administration. Tumai Beach on Atiu
“I took on a three-year course. Eric and I commuted during holidays.
$ 3 . 50 B E E R , WI N E & S PI R ITS $ 1 0 COCK TAI L S
“Before I left for Australia, I did some work for Melynnda Morrissette, the dynamic owner of Jetsave Travel in Avarua. When I returned in 2003, Melinda asked me to work for her handling inbound. I suppose you could describe me as her PA.
I S L A N D N I G HT S H OW & B U F F E T F E A ST TU E S DAY $ 49 AD U LTS $20 CH I LD
Today, Julie manages Jetsave Travel who now mainly sell domestic and international airfares and accommodation, tours, activities and outer island packages.
TH E I S L A N D E R R E STAU R A NT & BA R
“Day tours, and up to twonight packages to Aituaki, are popular with visitors.
B R E A K FA ST, A LL- DAY LU N C H & DINNER
“The Aitutaki day trip is a great day out and well worth the money.” “If visitors have the time, we try and get them to take in two islands. We can hook up Aiutaki and Atiu quite nicely. A five-day package is perfect. We let people know these are the two most accessible islands.
PIZZ A S FRO M $ 1 8 . 50 MAI N CO U RS E S FRO M $24 . 50
“Atiu is very quiet with lots of natural things on offer. I sat in one of Atiu’s beautiful coves once for five hours. I read and swam and never heard another human voice; it was just amazing. Aitutaki has a lot of natural offerings too, but really its all about the lagoon and the beaches, which are absolutely beautiful”. Apart from her busy work schedule with Jetsave Travel, Julie still works with Eric at Tumunu Restaurant and Bar. “Tunumu is only open for dinner. Casual dining with an air of local ambience! Everything in the Tumunu is quite ecletic because the restaurant and bar have gathered many things, over many years, by many people. We employ mostly locals. One has been there for over 30 years, Ms Rei Samuel; she is a big part of our family. People comment, time and time again, how good the service is from these girls and how well they interact with guests”.
H OT D E A L S O N ACCO M M O DATI O N FRO M $ 1 8 5 ROO M / N I G HT
Julie loves her life and lifestyle on Rarotonga.
The Tumunu Restaurant and Bar
“I have lived in the Cook islands longer than I lived in Australia. I was 26 when I came here 35 years ago. I expect to be here for the rest of my days! It would be a sorry time if I had to leave the Cook Islands”.
L O C AT E D O N T H E B E A C H F R O N T [O P P O S I T E R A R OTO N G A A I R P O R T ]
T + 6 8 2 2 1 0 03 | E I N FO @ I S L A N D ER H OTEL .CO.C K W W W. I S L A N D E R H OT E L .CO.C K |
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CoOK CoOKISLANDS ISLANDSSuN SuN
SEE & DO
K AYA K I N G A T S U N R I S E A G R E AT E X P E R I E N C E !
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dventure Cook Islands is a dive centre and rental shop in Kavera on the west coast of Rarotonga offering a range of land and seas activities; kayaking being one of the most popular. Patrick, director of sea operations said: “When starting from our shop, you can explore the beauty of the lagoon. One of the hot spots to kayak to is Aroa Beach. It’s a marine protected area and is excellent for snorkeling, only a 15-minute paddle from our
shop. Take snorkel gear with you on the kayak. The best time to go for a kayak paddle is around high tide. “When hiring a kayak for multiple days we deliver the kayak to your accommodation and you can paddle whenever you like. A great experience is kayaking at sunrise to welcome the day! “If you have never kayaked before then the west coast in front of our shop offers ideal conditions to start as the water is usually calm. Typical rental periods are one hour for a paddle or three to six hours if you also want to go snorkeling.
Safety is a factor to consider: “When kayaking, stay away from the passages as currents can be strong, especially when there is a big swell. Also, make sure you stay well clear from the surf zone as the backwash too can be strong. Most of the lagoon is fairly shallow and in most places you will be able to stand up, however if you are not comfortable in the water, we provide adult and kids life jackets”, said Patrick. For more information call 22 21 or visit adventurecookislands.com
DON’T MISS THE WHALE & WILDLIFE CENTRE!
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some support the whale research project.
heryl and Huw John arrived in Rarotonga in 2001 and opened a Dive Centre, called The Big Fish in Aroa. They left seven years later to live in Australia and New Zealand, only to return twelve months later.
Sheryl and Huw operate it now and the partnership has been of mutual benefit. “Visitors spend an hour or more exploring our exhibits, which include live creatures, a touch pool and ‘hands on’ displays,” said Huw.
“That’s when we bought the Reef Sub, which we had for seven years before selling it recently,” said Sheryl.
“There are aquariums with moray eels, stonefish, crayfish, tropical fish, coconut crabs and insects. We have fossil displays and various exhibits such as Cook Islands shipwrecks, and a historic diving display.
Four years ago, we decided to work with whale biologist Nan Hauser who ran the Cook Islands Whale Research Project on this site. We got it up and running as the Whale and Wildlife Centre, and every admission now contributes
“Once you pay the first time you are entitled to come back as often as you like for a year. We issue a membership card,” said Sheryl.
“We also have many fruit trees on the property, all named”. “Importantly, we turn around our wildlife every few weeks so no animal is in captivity for too long. Every animal gets released,” said Sheryl. Morgan, Sheryl and Huw’s young son, brings his friends to the Whale and Wildlife Centre. His favourite activity to show off is trying on the old diver’s helmet that is set up on a pulley system for easy fitting. For more information call 21 666 or 58 727, or visit cookislandswildlifecentre.com. Located on the Back Road, behind Avatiu Harbour, opposite Mike Tavioni Carvings.
“Our aim is to excite, educate and enthrall”
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ne of the most unusual experiences on Rarotonga is a cruise on the Reef Sub, a semi-submersible vessel, where guests can enjoy the islands views just off the coast and also go below and watch the sea life and shipwrecks. The Reef Sub recently changed hands and is now owned and operated by Steph Jansen from New Zealand. “I grew up in the small mill town of Kawerau before moving to Auckland to join the Police. I worked mainly in South Auckland with youth, but also ran a part-time mounted police unit. I left the Police to move to Tauranga to be closer to my family and began working as an administrator. My five-year old son attends St Joseph’s in Avarua. He is settling in well,” said Steph. “In NZ, I was ready for the challenge of being selfemployed. Every so often I would see an ad for the Reef Sub pop up and I didn’t initially consider it due to the location. After Christmas, I went to work and felt I couldn’t face working long hours having my son cared for by other people anymore, so I took ‘the leap of faith’ and bought the Reef Sub.”
Steph, who pilots the vessel, said the Reef Sub typically cater for families and couples. “Kids love the Reef Sub, staying glued to the underwater windows for most of the cruise. I love to hear the ‘wows’ and ‘look at that’. Everyone is impressed with the mighty giant trevally that escort us from Avatiu Harbor. We narrate some of the island’s history and cruise over the wreck of RMS Maitai. It’s amazing how the call ‘turtle’ has everyone scrambling for a look while I maneuver the boat to provide the best possible view”. So what should visitors know about Reef Sub when thinking about taking the cruise? “That it is not a lagoon tour, it is an outer reef tour, so you have the opportunity to see pelagic fish, turtles, rays, sharks and whales (in season). “Our aim is to excite, educate and enthrall our guests”. For bookings call 55 901 or visit raroreefsub.com
A unique way to experience the authentic Rarotonga Bicycling around Rarotonga is an interesting and natural way to see the island. Do it by yourself and you’ll have fun; go with Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours and you have fun and you’ll hear the stories, the myths, and get an insight into the island you chose for your holiday and its people.
Storytellers give 10% of their profits back to the community for development projects.
With tours ranging from 3-5 hours, including lunch and a swim, participants discover a rich cultural heritage along the Ancient Coral Road, exploring pathways running between the coast and hidden valleys, or you can even tear up and down trails on Storytellers ‘Excite Tour’.
Kathy from Sydney recently commented online: “It was fabulous - back roads, forests, farms - we had a local guide explain all sorts of interesting things to us… we went on tracks that we wouldn’t have been able to find ourselves. It finished with a swim and lunch at a secluded beach. Very well set up and well organised, and the bikes were good quality.” Call 23 450 or 53450, or visit storytellers.co.ck
Whale & Wildlife Centre
LD FAMOU OR
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The Storytellers experience offers bike riding tours to suit most levels of riding fitness and experience.
The guides are knowledgeable and they enjoy sharing a love of their heritage with participants.
FREE BEER IN PARADISE* CO PUTT O C
18 HOLE MINI GOLF
OpenS AT 10am
Ale House
SKY SPORTS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT WEDDING CATERING
Rarotonga
un •
F
(night golf available)
BISTRO & BAR
ily Food • Fam
STAG & HEN PARTY VENUE
‘Just Grin & Beer It’
Just off main road Aroa on the west coast
*conditions apply
Open 10am ‘til Late • Transport Available TelEPHONE 27181 OR 53331 • info@cocoputt.co.ck
Don’t miss it!
BACK ROAD BEHIND AVATIU HARBOUR | CALL 21 666 |
CIWWC
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“The only Kite School on the Island”
OK ISLANDS CO
QU
SEE & DO
D
WATERSPORTS CENTRE Call us Ph 27877, 51407 or 76794
ds Cook Islan
Kiteboarding/ Windsurfing Lessons & Rentals Standup Paddle Boards Sup Yoga/PILATES Tours Watersports Retail
www.kitesup.co i
kitesupcookislands@hotmail.com
EXPERIENCE RAROTONGA’s UNIQUE REEF-SUB TOUR Enjoy the view of picturesque Rarotonga from the upper deck, and also observe shipwrecks and colourful sea life from the underwater observation deck. ~ Suitable for all ages ~ ~ Free pick-up and drop-off available ~ ~ Departs daily from Avatiu Harbour, near Avarua ~
REEF SUB
Semi-submersible
Cruises
1.5 hour tour | ADULTS $65 | KIDS -15YRS = $35 | KIDS 0-3 YRS = FREE
BOOKINGS 55 901 | info@raroreefsub.com | www.raroreefsub.com |
reefsubrarotonga
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CoOK CoOKISLANDS ISLANDSSuN SuN
SEE & DO
A TOUR OF THE TINY MATUTU BREWERY IS A MUST! SEAFARI O wned by two families of Cook Islanders, the Puati’s and the Newnham’s, Matutu Brewing Company produce premium beers with a unique beer taste of the Cook Islands. Located 100m from the Fruits of Rarotonga on the main road not far from Muri, the tiny Matutu Brewery puts out an A-frame sign at the turn-off announcing brewery tours at 12pm and 1pm for only $10. Great value for money when you consider the host serves a 220ml glass of beer on arrival, the first of three flavours visitors get to taste on the tour! One of the unique features of Matutu Brewery tours is they
are conducted by one of the two owner/brewers.
Brewer Eric Newnham said they take visitors through the whole process on how they make the beer. “We take them through a brew day, which is a 12-hour day normally,” said Eric. Most visitors are surprised at the size of the brewery. “When they have seen our professional bottle packaging around, they are surprised when they come to the brewery because it is just a big shed,” said Eric. “It is a simple building that we built ourselves. We purchased an existing brewery from NZ and set it up exactly the same way.
The big difference between Matutu and imported beer is the freshness of the product. “We bottle fresh every day. The maximum from bottling to consumption at a resort or restaurant is two weeks. Most of our customers are re-ordering Matutu at least once a week.
Matutu brewer Eric Newnham pours a glass of beer for a guest
“The freshness of the beer is quite a surprise to everybody.”
FISHING CHARTERS
Ph 55096 or A/h 25099
At the conclusion of the 30-40 minute tour, visitors can buy beer in recycled plastic bottles, and buy the famous ‘No Crap Added’ t-shirt. A tour experience not to be missed! For more information, or to book a tour, call 26288 or visit matutubeer.com
100% ELECTRIC 100% CLEAN 100% FUN! The ‘e-tuks’ are 100% electric, 100% clean and 100% fun, built by a Dutch firm to European standards of quality and safety.
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t is encouraging to see a new transport company in Rarotonga that has chosen to use only electric vehicles; the only one of its kind on the island! The fun-loving, electricitypowered tuk-tuk vehicles are an innovation of green energy technology that are appearing in destinations around the world. They are pollution free and perfect for the Cook Islands!
The operator in Rarotonga, Tik-e Tours, offers personalised island tours, airport transfers, market transfers, dinner transfers, cocktail happy-hour hopping, and even wedding limo’s.
The people behind Tik-e Tours are Cook Islander Tania Farman and her husband, Karl. “Most of my working career has been in operation and supply chain management, tourism, and aviation, with the last ten years working in, managing and supporting ground handling operations for Air New Zealand. Karl has been a director and shareholder of businesses in NZ and has extensive knowledge in sustainable
solutions within the agriculture sector,” said Tania.
Tik-e Tours is based in Arorangi, opposite the Crown Beach Resort.
“We have been travelling back and forth to Rarotonga for many years as this is home for my Mum, who lives in Arorangi. We were looking for a change that took us away from the corporate world and gave us a better work and life balance and, for me personally, it was important to be close to my mum as she gets a little older. My brother-in-law actually came up with the idea of Tuk Tuks in Rarotonga one night while the family was having dinner…and almost two years later, here we are!
“Whilst most of our customers are visitors, we have great support from the locals too,” said Tania. “We have had a huge amount of support from accommodation providers who have directed their guests to use our services. Also, the Cook Islands Tourism teams based here, NZ and Australia have also been helpful providing knowledge on how best to market our services”. For more information about Tik-e Tours call 28 687, 53686 or 53687or visit www.tik-etours.com
Email: kevin@seafari.co.ck www.seafari.co.ck
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Aitutaki
ISLAND TIME IN PARADISE M any who visit the lagoon-centric island of Aitutaki say that no vacation to the Cook Islands would have been complete without the experience. A relaxing forty-five minutes flight from Rarotonga and you are there! There is the ‘day tour’ with Air Rarotonga, or maybe stay a night or two, and more! Aitutaki has a population of 2000 residents, and no dogs! The island was the first of the Cook Islands to embrace Christianity, starting when London Missionary Society came along in the early 1800s. Aitutaki has the oldest church the Cook Islands, and some biggest banyan trees! Famous for its wide turquoisecoloured lagoon, unoccupied islets and palm-fringed beaches, Aitutaki is more peaceful and less crowded than its neighbour, Rarotonga. And, it is always a little warmer on Aitutaki!
boarding, deep-sea fishing and bone fishing. Back on land, the island of Aitutaki has an interesting history. There are tours that take visitors to ancient places, exploring the island and learning about the legacy of the American troops stationed on the island during WWII. You can even have a round of golf!
VISIT THE MARINE CENTRE
One Foot Island in the lagoon is a popular places to visit on a lagoon cruise; many get married there.
The Aitutaki Marine Research Center (AMRC) is an interesting place to visit especially to discover how giant clams are farmed. The introduced tridacnidae clams (aka ‘giant’ clams) are farmed for sale to overseas aquariums.
Watersports on all sorts abound, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kite-
Some giant clams are assigned to the Aitutaki lagoon where they are protected under a ra’ui,
the Maori term for protection or stewardship. The cruise boats visit snorkeling sites where the clams can be viewed.
OTHER THINGS TO DO Enjoy the lagoon on an organised cruise or charter your own boat for a personal tour and go snorkelling. Try bonefishing in the lagoon, the good news for the fish is the ‘catch and release’ policy. Enjoy some time on Ootu Beach, so beautiful and peaceful. The lagoon is ideal for windsurfing, paddleboarding and kite boarding. Outside the lagoon there is scuba diving and game fishing. Or, just rent a vehicle and explore the island. For lots more ideas, visit the friendly Cook Islands Tourism office in the main township, or call 31 767 or 79 501. Email: tourism. officer@aitutaki.net.ck
Our well-maintained and modern fleet includes • small 4 door hatchback cars • 8 seater MPV's • 15 seater vans • automatic scooters Phone: (682) 31379 Email: fishing@aitutaki.net.ck www.popoaraoceanbreeze.com
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CREATING
A LIFESTYLE O N A I T U TA K I
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ombine the layback lifestyle of Aitutaki with the opportunity of making a living from creating arts and crafts, and you have the perfect world for Steph Joseph. Married for ten years to her ‘best friend’ Turua, an Aitutaki-born ukulele craftsman, Steph is in no doubt that living and working on the island is something special: “I feel like I’m on holidays – I love it!” said Steph.
“I majored in Indigenous education and literacy and have enjoyed lots of wonderful experiences through teaching in Australia, PNG and the Solomon Islands. “In 2003, I took a teaching team to North Carolina, USA, where I met with glass artists. That is where I learnt to melt glass for jewellery.”
“We met in Adelaide when I was working in schools and he was working in corrective services.” Today, both work in crafts. A visit to their home workshop will reveal some of the best creative on the island. “Making useable jewellery with recycled glass and beautiful Cook Islands Pearls is so satisfying” South Australian-born Steph was a teacher for 30 years, but art has always been at the core of her existence. “I have always loved art. I’d been accepted to go to art school, but my father thought I would become a starving artist so he convinced me that teacher’s college was the better career opportunity,” said Steph.
T broken up recycled glass bottles. “I am sometimes asked I have a particular color such as Bombay sapphire. My mum once asked me if I could make some earrings and a bracelet from a Heineken bottle! “More recently, I taught myself to work in pearls. I’m addicted to Cook Islands black pearls because they are so beautiful! “I keep my designs fresh and wearable, and I am pleased to say that I am known for my reasonable prices!
Nine years ago, Steph and Turua came to live and work in Aitutaki. “I was a team manager here for Westpac but longed for an island lifestyle, so I took up creating glass jewellery. It was a hobby at first, putting some pieces in the market. From there it just grew and grew! Steph works mainly with a hot head torch using propane gas on
Steph said there is a lot of artistic potential on Aitutaki: “Turua and I would like one day to teach our crafts to young people here”. “We have come to Aitutaki for a simpler, holistic sort of life; helping people when we can, growing our own vegies and eating well” For more information call +682 31 120 / +682 75 680, or email tsartworx@aitutaki.net.ck
he peace, the quiet, and the sheer beauty of Aitutaki are the essence of what visitors expect in a holiday to the Cook Islands. What visitors may not expect is to eat and drink in an avant-garde café. Situated in picturesque surroundings, the Koru Café belongs to husband and wife team, Steve and Trina Armstrong. Trina said that it had been their dream to move to Aitutaki one day to build a café and enjoy the lifestyle. “Well, here we are! We opened in 2008 and we have been loving every moment since then!” Trina’s dad is from Aitutaki and her mother is a New Zealander. Steve is from NZ. Both were raised in NZ. “Mum and dad returned in their semi-retirement, now they have a little accommodation place, grow free-range eggs and have a organic plantation. “Knowing it’s my father’s homeland, I have always had a longing for the island. I have a sense of belonging here,”said Trina.
Life tastes better on Aitutaki
“Steve and I got married at One Foot Island in the lagoon. We have two children, a daughter Ashley 9, and son Tain, 5. They will grow up as Aitutakians.”
Before settling in Aitutaki, Steve and Trina worked in Australia, and in Britain, mainly Scotland. Trina’s career background is in IT, Steve is a trained chef. “Scotland was where we fell in love with ‘hospitality’. We worked at ‘The Ceiligh Place’, a quirky hotel in Ullapool. Steve was bar manager and I was front-of-house,” said Trina. Now in Aitutaki, Trina and Steve have carved a lifestyle for themselves and family members. Koru Café’s produce is mostly locally sourced, including fish from her fishing charter uncle ‘Mike’ who operates the Black Pearl, fruits and eggs from her father ‘Tutaeeva’, and jams and relishes from her mother ‘Vicki’.
Koru in a NZ Maori means ‘a new beginning and a new start’. In Cook Islands Maori it resembles a word that means breadfruit.
“When we opened there were comments it was a NZ name. I had aunties and mamas saying: ‘but you haven’t got any breadfruit on the property’ and: ‘that’s not how you spell breadfruit’. Once we explained they were OK.” “We chose Koru mainly for Steve because everything here was about me and my family, and because we had both been raised in NZ.” There is now a ‘shopping space’ in the café to support locally made arts and crafts, books and music, and clothing. The products are also online at eshop.korucafe.biz Open daily from 7am-3pm for breakfast, lunch and espresso coffee, Koru Café offers contemporary cuisine with local flavor. There is nothing quite like Koru Café on Aitutaki. And, Trina and Steve are having the time of their lives in a community they enjoy surrounded by family, friends and their dining guests.
53 919 YES, we do it all. Let my husband and I take you out on one of our Personalised Charters.
CK PEARL A L B CHARTERS 1.DEEP SEA FISHING - Fish the FADs and drop offs for Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi. Other fishing available, jigging, live baiting, bottom fishing and casting for GTs. Experience not required.
All Charters include, transfers, breakfast or lunch, hot and cold drinks, towels, snorkelling equipment, etc. Certificate of Excellence 2011/12/13/14
2. PRIVATE LAGOON / SNORKELLING TOURS - Enjoy a day exploring our lagoon without the crowds. More snorkeling than any other operator, including the outer reef. Visit as many islands as time allows and enjoy a BBQ on One Foot Island. Timings are flexible and families welcome. Half days also available. 3. SPEARFISHING - Spearfish your own lunch or dinner, experience not required. Phone Give us a call for details. 31125 home
www.blackpearlaitutaki.com
52 125 mobile Email: tekotia@aitutaki.net.ck
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
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HUNGRY HORSE
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TO
OOTU BEACH
The Cook Islands is renowned for its idyllic holiday environment, friendly and relaxed beach resorts, delicious local cuisine, and vaka sailing; all aspects of the Cook Islands that have been influenced by one of the pioneers Cook Islands tourism, Thomas Koteka, who is today co-owner of the Aitutaki Village resort on Ootu Beach on the island of Aitutaki.
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Cook Islander and Mangaian by birth, Thomas spent his first ten years on the island of Mangaia. His parents, both in the medical field, had been posted by the Government to serve on the island.
Auckland Technical Institute had just opened, and I was in the first induction of a three-year diploma course. During this time, I was also an apprentice at the Hotel Intercontinental, mixing daily with accomplished chefs from Europe.
His family relocated to Auckland in 1964 for primary, secondary and tertiary education. It was there that Thomas said he: ‘fell into the tourism industry’.
“We’re privileged to live here.”
“During secondary school, I worked in a restaurant called the Hungry Horse. It was dynamic, serving 500-600 meals at both lunchtime and dinner. I loved the atmosphere and the hustle and bustle. I fell in love with working in the kitchen”. Thomas said it was this experience that influenced his career choice in hospitality. “In 1974, the Hospitality and Training School at
“At that time the cuisine and training was the ‘old style.’ I learned everything from boning a cow, to peeling and shaping potatoes. When Thomas finished his apprenticeship it was suggested that to strengthen his career he should travel abroad and gain experience. ”The Hilton Hotel Group in Canada was recommended and I was given a person to contact. I wrote a letter applying for a position in one
of their kitchens. A month or so later I got a job offer for a position in one of the Hilton Hotels in Toronto. “After a short break in Rarotonga I boarded a jet plane and via Los Angeles and Chicago landed in Toronto on a snow covered Christmas Day in 1977. On that journey I carried my set of kitchen knives in my carry on bag those were the good ole days! 18 hours after my arrival I started in the main kitchen of the Toronto Airport Hilton. After some time based in Toronto, Thomas was offered short work engagements at other Hilton properties in Canada, the UK and Europe. “During this time I met many interesting kitchen personalities of different nationalities, all of whom influenced my outlook and experiences in the kitchen. One of the highlights of Thomas’ career was
representing Hilton International at the 1981 North American Salon Culinaire. He gained a 2nd place with a ‘Chaud Froid Chicken Display’. “Not bad for a Cook Islander.” In 1983, Thomas said he started missing home and made the decision to head back to the warmth of the Cook Islands. Soon after he landed in Rarotonga he was offered a position of Sous Chef at the Rarotongan Resort Hotel, which was then operated by the Tourism Hotel Corporation of New Zealand. Soon after he was promoted to Head Chef, becoming the first local to replace an ex-pat in the organisation. This was regarded as a whole new thing for the Rarotongan.” He was then tempted to Waitomo in New Zealand, but was subsequently offered the position of Executive Chef back at The Rarotongan, which was under new ownership. He returned to Rarotonga in early 1985 to take up the position.”
Ootu Beach overlooking Aitutaki lagoon
The friendly staff at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant
Thomas returned with his girlfriend Lizzy, also a Cook Islander: “After my return, we decided to get married and start a family”. “My career at the Rarotongan expanded into executive management, and with a change in circumstances the opportunity to start a new journey was offered, and in late 1989 I began managing Pacific Resort at Muri. I stayed with this group until 2012.” During that time, Thomas, a keen member of the Rarotonga Sailing Club, had much to do with the introduction of a Vaka Sailing Canoe Class competition on the lagoon at Muri. “I needed a sailing craft the would carry my young son and I together, so towards the end of 1990s we developed the Vaka class so I could sail competitively with my son. Historically, the club (celebrating its 75th year this year) used to sail vakas in its early days. Tangaroa 18 is the class of boat that I developed”. Drawing to the end of his time with Pacific Resorts, Thomas had been investigating business opportunities in Aitutaki when the property Samade on the Beach came on the market .
In 2013, Thomas and his family went into partnership with Aitutakan-born local businessman, politician, Teina Bishop and his family, to set up Aitutaki Village (formerly Samade on the Beach). “Aitutaki Village is perfectly located in a cul-de-sac at the end of the island, only minutes from the airport. “We are a boutique resort with twelve air-conditioned garden bungalows. A three-star property in a 5-star location! Our Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Bar is situated on the beach and lagoon. Our guest facilities include stand-up paddle-boards and kayaks.” Naturally, Thomas focuses much of his energies on the food and beverage area. He sources most of the fresh produce and seafood from local suppliers and in the menus strives to offer a balance of experiences for most tastes. “Obviously seafood features highly on the menu, along with curries, stewed goat, pork belly and prime rib-eye with garlic prawns, which is a
local favourite. From the bar the daily cocktails are popular to enjoy during sunsets overlooking Aitutaki Lagoon,” said Thomas. One of his recommended dishes is ‘Ika Mata’, raw fish in English. It’s an iconic dish around the South Pacific with many variations. Thomas has five rules in making this dish – 1) Always use fresh Tuna. 2) Soak for at least two hours in salted water before cooking. - 3) Cook (marinate) in a combination of ½ Lime and ½ Lemon Juice for no more than 60 minutes. - 4) Always use fresh coconut cream. - 5) Season to taste and only add your vegetable garnish just before serving. “Every visitor to the islands should try Ika Mata, it’s the real taste of the Pacific. “Lizzy and I love Aitutaki to bits. We are privileged to live here. It’s so peaceful at this end of Aitutaki. Hands down, Aitutaki is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful, award-winning, not to mention, friendliest places in the world”
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CoOK CoOKISLANDS ISLANDSSuN SuN
A I T U TA K I D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
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I N A I T U TA K I 4
CAFÉ , BAR & RESTAU R ANT LOCATIONS
S C00K I LANDS
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Ph. [682] 31 810 Fax. [682] 31 816 reservations@tamanubeach.com A I T U TA K I • C O O K I S L A N D S www.tamanubeach.com
AITUTAKI’S BEST DINING!
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Open Mon-Sat for Lunch only Major credit cards accepted Fully licensed
Aitutaki’s best location, best views, best food, best authentic atmosphere! 5-Star Adults-only Resort (aged16+) | The ONLY resort set directly on expansive Aitutaki Lagoon! CASUAL DINERS WELCOME | SEAFOOD PLATTERS | SUNSET COCKTAILS | PRIVATE BEACH DINING FLYING BOAT BEACH BAR & GRILL | BOUNTY BRASSERIE | ALL-DAY DINING + EVENING ENTERTAINMENT MON_Fire Dance Show @ Bounty Brasserie+Crab Races WED+FRI_Live w/Greig Mose @ Flying Boat Beach Grill FRI_NiteLife FunBus Tour $35pp
Bookings essential
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P (+682) 31 200 TAUTU • AITUTAKI
Akitua Private Island | Aitutaki Lagoon | COOK ISLANDS info@aitutakilagoonresort.com | AitutakiLagoonResort.com
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Stay and dine in a prime lagoon front location
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Located on the white sands of Ootu Point overlooking Aitutaki’s lagoon, Aitutaki Village is a three-star property in a five-star location, with one of the best swimming beaches on the island. The Blue Lagoon Restaurant with its tasty Pacific-inspired cuisine is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days-a-week. Our Island Feast and Cultural Show is a feature on Tuesday evening, and Sunday is all-day BBQ, Aitutaki-style.
[Formerly Samade on the Beach]
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BOOKINGS 31 526 EMAIL reservations@aitutakivillage.com
| www.aitutakivillage.com
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AT I U
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THE ISLAND ATIU of
PRISTINE, PEACEFUL & UNCROWDED
is a small island with big surprises. A Also known as Enuamanu TIU
(land of the birds), Atiu is only 187 kms from Rarotonga. With a population counted in the hundreds, the island is divided into five villages located around a central plateau. Surrounding the plateau is a ring of taro water gardens and then the jungle-clad makatea (fossil coral reef). Below the cliffs of makatea and caves are many secluded, yet accessible, beaches.
Outside the plateau are nature walks through the jungle, whose main occupants are birds. Atiu is currently part of a recovery program for the Rarotongan bird, the Kakerori, and for the endangered Rimatara lorikeet called the Kura. Atiu is also home to an indigenous bird, the Kopeka, a cave dweller. At the edge of the plateau stands the Atiu Villas. Built and owned by Kura and Roger Malcolm, Atiu Villas was there at the beginning of tourism in Atiu. It all started in 1978 when the airport opened. Amongst the first passengers were Roger and Kura. Roger said that was the first occasion it was possible to plan a visit to Atiu, the birth
island of his wife Kura. Roger, a Doctor of Physics, had met his wife Kura on Rarotonga when he was researching upper atmospheric airglow for his PhD thesis. “Atiu was completely undeveloped then.” In 1979, Roger gave up his public service job in Wellington, and Roger and Kura sold up and moved to Atiu, taking with them a sawmill. They set about building Atiu Villas and a home on an old pineapple field. “All made of local wood. The villas features the timber grains of the mango, pacific mahogany, coconut, Christmas nut, java plum, cedar, acacia and many other
trees,” said Roger. The plan was to build six villas, an entertainment area and a home, in five years. Now 35 years on, the villas are in good shape, but Roger and Kura still haven’t finished their home! “Atiu is a destination for that unique 1% of travelers who do not want to go where many others have been before them…are curious…and are interested in experiencing local culture and seeing an island that has not moved too far into the modern world. Atiu has friendly people, pristine jungle and beaches, untouched caves, birds and a system of sharing which you can now enjoy from the comfort of Atiu Villas,” said Roger.
“Atiu Villas is conscious that visitors to Atiu enjoy all the island’s tourism assets and having open access to roaming, all for free. Sharing is an important part of our Polynesian culture. We are keeping this sharing culture intact by paying to the people of Atiu $5 per visitor per day that stays at Atiu Villas, in return for continuing to allow our guests unrestricted access across all the land, beaches, lakes, caves and the reefs of Atiu. “The most popular tour for the fit and able is to the Kopeka bird cave and underground candlelit swimming cave that finishes off with a visit to a Tumunu. Another popular excursion that doesn’t require fitness
is with our Birdman George on his jungle tour of the leeward side of the island, the lake, the flora and the birds. He ends his tour with a picnic on a beach. On Sunday, he provides a restaurant on the beach with local food cooked in his earth oven. You can also see the island on your own with a rental scooter bicycle or car. “Visitors should stay three nights or more. There is certainly plenty to do!”
BIRDMAN GEORGE
Birdman George, aka George Mateariki, is employed by the Takitumu Conservation Area to look after the thirty Rarotongan Flycatchers (Kakerori) transferred to Atiu from Rarotonga as part of a recovery program. He offers to show visitors tour lasts between four to If you want to these birds and other birds five hours and includes a experience the of Atiu in a three-hour picnic with local food from wildlife and tour. In another tour his family's earth oven. tropical forests George presents ancient George worked on the of Atiu, join trails, different types of recent successful project to plants and their uses, the eradicate myna birds from one of George’s eco-tours. beaches, a picnic and, Atiu, which preyed on the of course, the birds. This
young of the other birds.
CALL 33 047
INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC
AIRFARES & ACCOMMODATION
TOURS, ACTIVITIES & OUTER ISLAND PACKAGES
www.jetsave.co.ck
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CALL 27 707
Your hosts Roger and Kura will make your stay an exciting adventure Phone: (682) 33 777 | Email: roger@atiuvillas.com On-line bookings at www.atiuvillas.com - Free email & internet For more information on Atiu Island visit www.atiu.info
CoOK CoOKISLANDS ISLANDSSuN SuN
28
THE OUTER ISLANDS OF THE COOKS
APLENTY IN 2015
“W
e will look back with pride on our efforts to create wonderful memories for our children”. Nick Henry, grandson of the Cook Islands’ first Prime Minister, Albert Henry, chairs the 50th Celebrations Steering Committee with the responsibility for encouraging community events in 2015 to celebrate the 50th year since independence.
“The greatest impact has been the inclusion of children. The Tarekareka concert for families on 1st January at Muri beach set the stage for the year ahead. Also, we had Manamana Magic Show, a unique experience for our young ones (and not so young); the National Auditorium was packed to the rafters,” said Nick.
through on a promise for a great year ahead, and that these celebrations must leave a legacy. In a decade or so, we will look back with pride on our efforts to create wonderful memories for our children. “Te Maeva Nui (23 July7August) will be one of our most spectacular events for the year. We will celebrate our diverse culture and beauty, including the Miss Cook Islands Pageant, and in December which we host Miss Pacific Islands. Manamana Magic Show
“Sporting events like Vaka Eiva (outrigger canoe racing), Manureva (kite-surfing), ‘Sevens in Heaven’ (rugby sevens) and ‘Netballers in Paradise’ have all taken the 50th Celebrations to heart and included them as a part of their programs.
“The Te Manava Vaka Festival in May included our youth, those sailing on the ocean, and the school children who tracked their voyage from Aotearoa to Rarotonga. School children practiced and performed a Pe’e (chant) for the welcome ceremony of our Vaka Moana”.
ifteen islands make up the Cook Islands, scattered over an area close to the size of Western Europe. Ninety percent of the land and the population are within the Southern Group. In addition to Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu already covered in the previous pages, here is a brief description of the islands of the Southern and Northern Group.
THE SOUTHERN GROUP Mangaia - The southern-most island of the Cooks, and the oldest island in the Pacific dating back 18 million years. An outer reef and sixty metrehigh ring of fossilized coral cliffs surround the island. The rim of coral extends inland and forms steep cliff faces that drop into the central basin of the island. The landscape is covered in caves. Manuae & Te Au O Tu -Two islets in a large shallow lagoon make up this island, an important seabird and turtle breeding ground. Mauke - A raised atoll surrounded by fossilised coral and like Atiu and Mangaia has numerous limestone caves. The CICC church here was the centre of a dispute between two villages in 1882 and the two sides of the church were decorated in two different, but equally glorious, styles. Each village had its own entrance and
“The philosophy of the year’s celebrations is to assist charitable organisations, and to attach our calendar to existing events has been successful. For the first time we had fireworks in Atiu, Manihiki and Tongareva - these displays we tagged into the opening for our renewable energies program on these islands. The fireworks certainly had the kids wideeyed, but laughing!
2015 has been a big year for “2015 is a year for legacies. We celebrations, especially new ones. can set the foundations for the next 50 years,” said Nick. “Getting ‘buy-in’ was slow at first but recognition must go Visit www.ci50th.com for all Cook Islands 50th Celebrations or to our Prime Minister for his www.cookislands.travel/events sheer determination to follow
Image: David Kirkland
F
Sunset Fishing on the Island of Mangaia.
villagers sat on their own side. Mitiaro - The smallest of the Southern Group and the least populated with around 180 residents. Freshwater pools are fed by underground lakes and believed by locals to have healing properties. Palmerston - About 50 residents live on Palmerston. They are all descended from William Marsters and his three Polynesian wives. Takutea - This sanctuary 16km northwest of Atiu protects the breeding site of a number of sea birds including frigates and tropicbirds. It is only 6 metres above sea level at its highest point.
THE NORTHERN GROUP Manihiki - A large atoll with a deep lagoon, Manihiki is now intensively farmed for black pearls. Life centres on the lagoon and pearl farming. Nassau - This is a small island and satellite community of Pukapuka.
Pukapuka - The most isolated island in the group. People have inhabited the island from at least 300 BC. The island is noted for its finely woven mats. Rakahanga - 42km north-east of Manihiki, Rakahanga is an atoll with a picturesque, almost totally enclosed lagoon. Suwarrow - was declared a National Heritage Park in 2002 and is a breeding ground for rare species of turtles, sea birds and crabs. In the mid-19th century a ship out of Tahiti carrying out salvage work unearthed a box containing $15,000 in coins, apparently from a century before from a British raid on Spanish shipping. In 1876, several silver pieces-of-eight were discovered in a turtle nest. But the find was hastily reburied and is still to be rediscovered! Penrhyn - This is the northernmost island of the Cooks famous for its finely woven rito hats and bags.
INVES T I N COOK ISL A ANDS LIFEST Y LE
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Carey Winterflood +[682] 55 678 Peter Heays +[682] 55 289
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COOK ISLANDS SUN SUPPORTERS Adventure Cook Islands Air Rarotonga Scenic Flight Aitutaki Day Tour Aitutaki Lagoon Resort Dining Aitutaki Village Alberto’s Restaurant Atiu Villas/Kura’s Kitchen Avaiki Cook Islands Pearls AVIS Cook Islands Beaches Restaurant & Bar Birdman George Bishop’s Cruises Black Pearl Charters Blossom Fashion Boat Shed Restaurant & Bar Café Salsa Captain Andy’s Beach Bar & Grill Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes Castaway Resort CIPS Coconut Tours Coco Putt Ale House Cook Islands Real Estate Cook Islands Tours Club Raro Computer Man, The Cook’s Fudge Factory Cook Islands Pharmacy Crown Beach Resort & Spa Dive Aitutaki Dive Centre, The Edgewater Resort & Spa, The e.shop.korucafe.biz Factory Outlet Farm Direct Pearls FEXCO Money Exchange Goldmine Good Life, The Highland Paradise Cultural Centre id.CK Island Car & Bike Hire Islander Hotel, The Jaycar Jetsave Travel KiteSup Watersport Centre Koka Lagoon Cruises La Casita Mexican Café LBV Avarua and Muri Matutu Brewery Moana Gems Pearl & Art Gallery Muri Beach Club Hotel Perfumes of Rarotonga Polynesian Rental Cars & Bikes Popoara Rentals Rarotonga Rentals Rito Cook Islands Reef Sub Cruises Rickshaw, The Rinos Beach Bungalows & Rentals Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa Sails Restaurant & Bar Sanctuary Rarotonga Seafari Fishing Charters Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar, The Silver Sands Restaurant & Bar Spaghetti House Storytellers T&S Artworx Tamanu Beach Casual Dining Tamarind House TeTika BioActive Cook Islands Oils Te Vara Nui Village Tik e-tours Tivaevae Collectables Tokerau Jim Treasure Chest Tumunu Restaurant, The Tupuna’s Restaurant Waterline Restaurant & Bar, The Wet & Wild Yellow Hibiscus, The Whale & Wildlife Centre
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