Cook Islands Sun Magazine

enjoycookislands.com
FREE VISITOR MAGAZINE 2019-2020 EDITION 68
SEE& DO
EAT& DRINK
NEWS& REVIEWS
SHOPPING
LOCAL STORIES
5
MEET THE QUEEN'S
REPRESENTATIVE
21
TROPICAL FASHION VIBES
GUIDE TO EATING & DRINKING
IN RAROTONGA - Page 16-17
best rental experiences.
www.polynesianhire.co.ck
p +682 29227 e reservations@polynesianhire.co.ck / roadside assistance +682 54325

2 CoOK ISLANDS SuN
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THE
LIFE
2 Banana Court, Call: 27534,
www.facebook.com/thegoodlifestore
Perfumes of
Rarotonga
PACIFIC
WEAVE
PACIFIC
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11/06/2018 10:37:23 a.m.

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Welcome from the Prime Minister
and Minister for Tourism
Kia Orana,
To all our visitors and
those planning a holiday
in the Cook Islands, I’d
like to extend to you a
very warm greeting and
welcome.
As your hosts, we want
your stay with us to be as
memorable and enjoyable as
possible. We are your home
away from home and your
time with us will be more than
comfortable – it will take your
breath away!
There is much for you to
explore and discover, whether
you are a first time visitor or a
returning holidaymaker.
You can do that at your own
pace and as your desire allows.
There is a natural freedom
here that will put you at ease
and you will soon learn that
Cook Islanders are keen to
join you in the fun – out on
the lagoon, trekking in the
mountains, or dining out at our
many restaurants and cafés.
Our world is your world to
www.enjoycookislands.com |
enjoycookislands
experience – in our culture and
traditions, as well as a wide
range of recreational activities.
Above all, we want you to stay
safe in this environment we
call our ‘little paradise’. Take
care wherever you may be,
whether on our roads or out
in the water. And allow us to
share with you all the reasons
why you must come back and
see us again!
Kia Manuia,
Honorable Henry Puna
Prime Minister and Minister for
Tourism The Cook Islands
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: Alastair Blount
TELEPHONE: +682 20 222
EMAIL: info@enjoycookislands.com
DESIGN & PRINT: Ovato - New Zealand
DISTRIBUTION RAROTONGA: 20 222
DISTRIBUTION AITUTAKI: 31 009
POSTAL: PO Box 30 Avarua, The Cook Islands
Every effort has been made to ensure that information and content in this publication
is accurate; no responsibility is accepted for inadvertent errors or omissions.
Copyright © 2019 Cook Islands Sun Ltd. All rights reserved.
In this issue
INTERVIEWS
5 Meet the Queen’s Representative in the Cook Islands
10 Cook Islands biggest private employer CITC supports sustainability
27 Lifestyle sea change is a real possibility in the Cook Islands
28 Cook Islands’ hard working commercial traveller, Robert Skews
AWARDS
11 A1 Meitaki Awards recognising excellence in service
ISLAND LIFE
8 Making the most of WiFi hotspots in the Cook Islands
21 Tropical fashion presented by id.CK
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
9 A great night out at a spectacular island show
19 Antipodes, fine dining at its best in Rarotonga
22 Charlie’s, a great 'chilled-out' local eatery
SEE & DO
6 Learn about the Black Pearl industry of Manihiki
12 Helpful hints for first time visitors to Rarotonga
15 Getting married in Rarotonga?
23 Eco tourism on a bicycle
25 Kura Happ amazing entertainer and reef tour guide
AITUTAKI
29 Life experiences for Tamanu Beach’s general manager
COMMUNITY
31 Rare investiture of an ariki (chief) on
Rarotonga
32 Cook Islands introduces eco certification
for the tourism industry
FRONT COVER IMAGE: KURA HAPP (Image by Jaia Arai)
See the article on Page 25: "Kura Happ is the real deal!
Amazing entertainer and reef tour guide"
9
11
WELCOME
21
8
32
3

4 ISLAND LIFE CoOK ISLANDS SuN
No 1 in the Cook Islands
THERE HAS BEEN NO
EVENT AS ENGAGING
FOR THE NATIONS OF
THE PACIFIC IN 2019
THAN THE XVI PACIFIC
GAMES, WHICH TOOK
PLACE IN SAMOA IN
JUNE. THIS YEAR WAS
THE SIXTEENTH PACIFIC
GAMES TO BE HELD.
Twenty-four nations
competed. It was
literally a mini Olympic
Games ‘Celebrating the best in
the Pacific’. The Cook Islands
came 12th in the medal tally,
but who’s counting in such
a fun-filled event that
united the nations of the
Pacific.
Fexco Pacific was a silver
sponsor of the 2019
Pacific Games where it
featured its own brand of
currency exchange service
No1Currency.
The retail network of
No1Currency across the
Pacific, including Rarotonga,
enthusiastically promoted
awareness and support in the
run up to the Games in all of
its locations.
Steve Peregrino the Group
Manager for Marketing
and Business Development
of Fexco Pacific said:
“No1Currency was honoured
Federal Pacific House, Avarua
to be a major sponsor of the
2019 Pacific Games. It was
our privilege to collaborate
with the organisers and the
community to bring forth
the best in our athletes in the
pursuit of excellence.
Jetsave Travel agents Shona and Janice
“We recognise the best in
the Pacific and celebrate
everything that is Number1 in
the Pacific!”
Fexco Pacific is a private
company owned by Fexco and
Federal Pacific focussing on
three core products - money
transfer, money exchange
and business payments/TT's.
Fexco Pacific has operations
in 12 Pacific region countries
including New Zealand and
the Cook Islands. It is also
the largest Agent for Western
Union in the Pacific.
In Rarotonga the company’s
operations are based in
Federal Pacific House,
which is located on the
main road in the Cook
Islands’ main business
centre, Avarua, together
with Jetsave Travel – one of
the most respected travel
companies in the Pacific.
General manager of all
the businesses in Federal
Pacific House is Julie Bateman.
How would you
describe Jetsave Travel
and the services it
provides?
Jetsave opened its doors in
1998. It has been operating
successfully since then and
has grown considerably. New
services have been introduced
in the form of Western
Union Money Transfers and
Foreign Currency. Jetsave is
fully accredited and IATA
registered. We stand behind
all our products, and part
of our mission statement is
to provide ‘the very best we
can’ with all types of travel
arrangements, ticketing etc.
How do you help
visitors to the Cook
Islands?
People just walk in and chat
with our agents about what
to see and do. This year we
launched our new website
wwww.jetsave.co.ck. It is
modern and very user friendly,
and features sections including
the ‘Hottest Deals Available’,
‘Flights to Rarotonga’, ‘Things
to do in Rarotonga,’ and
‘Events in Rarotonga’. It’s a one
stop-travel shop for all things
Cook Islands!
What are some of the
Cook Islands' trips
Jetsave recommend?
We offer all international
and domestic airfares and
accommodation for couples,
groups, family reunions,
religious journeys, sports
trips, and more. Other
services we provide include
Outer Island packages
(airfares and accommodation,
transportation, and in some
No 1 Currency team in Rarotonga
cases – meals), Rarotonga
activities, tours and shows.
Our agents are never too busy
to have some one walk in and
chat with them regarding the
services we offer.
You are part of the
FEXCO group, who are
they?
Under the umbrella of the
FEXCO group we are part
of Fexco Pacific. This is a
money transfer and foreign
exchange service provider
throughout the Pacific region.
Fexco is an Ireland-based
financial services and financial
technology company focusing
on bureau de change and
payment card services. Fexco
employs more than 2,300
staff spread between offices
in 29 countries worldwide.
The Currency Exchange
Corporation is part of the
Fexco group of companies.
No.1 Currency Exchange
is an integral part of
Jetsave Cook Islands,
what services do they
provide?
Foreign cash exchange,
Western Union money transfer
services, International Business
Payments. These are the main
focuses of No1 Currency.
Jetsave Travel is located
on the main road in
Avarua, what do walkin
visitors ask for most
often?
They want to know about
the range of Rarotonga
activities, island night shows,
and specialty tours that are
available, and also outer
island packages to places
such as Aitutaki, Atiu and
Mangaia; but visitors also ask
general questions regarding the
Cooks.
Pay for
3 days get
o2 free !
n selected models
Opposite the Airport
www.rarotongarentals.co.ck
enquires@rarotongarentals.co.ck
Phone: 22326
“Best deals on the Island”
Your friendly one-stop shop
for the Cook Islands
Specialists for all local tours and activities
and inter-island packages.
Foreign exchange and money transfers
INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC
AIRFARES & ACCOMMODATION
Located Main Road, Avarua
jetsave@cooks.co.ck
www.jetsave.co.ck
CALL 27 707
Image by David Kirkland
THE BEST RATES IN TOWN
Main Road, Downtown Avarua
T: 29 907 E: jetsave@cooks.co.ck
Jetsave
Travel
FEDERAL PACIFIC HOUSE
Western Union No.1 Currency

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ISLAND LIFE
5
Meet the head Marsters
THE COOK ISLANDS’
MONARCHICAL
PRESENCE FOR THE
NEXT THREE YEARS
WAS GREATLY
ENHANCED WHEN H.E.
SIR TOM MARSTERS
KBE WAS POPULARLY
REAPPOINTED AS THE
COUNTRY’S QUEENS
REPRESENTATIVE (QR)
IN JULY. MARSTERS WAS
FIRST APPOINTED IN
2013; THIS WILL BE HIS
THIRD TERM AS QR.
The Queen's
Representative is the
formal title given to
the representative of Queen
Elizabeth II, as Queen of New
Zealand, in the Cook Islands.
His Excellency Sir Tom
Marsters KBE is a humble
man of humble beginnings
from the remote outer island
of Palmerston. Following
years in the Cook Islands
public service, he achieved
remarkable success in his
political career rising to the
position of Deputy Leader of
the Cook Islands Party and
Deputy Prime Minister of the
Cook Islands.
Sir Tom Marsters was knighted
a Bachelor Commander of
the British Empire (KBE)
on 16 November 2018 at
Buckingham Palace. The
honour was bestowed upon
him for his service to the
public and to the communities
of the Cook Islands.
He has been married to
Lady Tuaine (nee Wichman)
Marsters for over 40 years, and
they have three sons, Tom,
Clee and Giovanni, a daughter,
Eirangi, and a number of
grandchildren.
2019 was also a
milestone year for Sir
Tom for another reason,
he opened Marsters
House (aka Palmerston
House) on 8th July;
a project he had been
working on for many
years on behalf of
the tiny population
of Palmerston island
(est.60).
The grand opening date of 8
July 2019 was chosen because
that was the date English
adventurer and trader William
Marsters landed on Palmerston
with his families and workers
in 1863. Marsters House is the
last of the island hostels to be
erected around Constitution
Avenue in Avarua.
“On the eighth of July, 1863,
William Marsters landed on
Palmerston with his three sets
of families, and workers. He
Entrance to Government House, Titikaveka
Sir Tom and Lady Tuaine Marsters at the Marsters House building site
had with him some workers
from Tahiti. He had travelled
extensively in the Pacific,
obviously he was in Tahiti for a
while, and also Samoa.”
Sir Tom was the chairman
of the board of trustees
responsible for raising funds
and building the project, a
dream for the many families
of William Marsters that had
procreated on the island since
1863.
Tom Marsters son Giovanni,
a builder, facilitated the
construction of Marsters
William Marsters and families in Palmerston in the
late19th century
House, his older brother
Tom, also a builder, was also
involved.
Much symbolic thinking went
into the design of Marsters
House, which included
taking some of the features
of William Marsters iconic
tin house in Palmerston that
still stands today. Sir Tom
said there was also discussion
early on to actually build a
small castle to reflect William
Marsters English background:
“not that he lived in a castle
but because he came from a
place where there were lots
of castles”. The designers
eventually settled on adding
in a rampart-style feature to
dress up three sides of the
building. Another feature was
the inclusion of five pillars
representing William Marsters
five original families.
“Basically, Marsters House is a
stop over place for Palmerston
people going to and through
Rarotonga. For example they
come every other year to the
Constitution celebrations in
July and August. At other
times of the year we
will rent it out to
visiting sporting groups
and cultural groups
to generate income to
maintain the place.
There are en suites, and
also dormitory style
large rooms; and we have
a mezzanine on top.”
Sir Tom said he was
appreciative of the support
of food, labour and funds
his committee received from
the various Marsters families
and from friends towards the
construction of the building:
“This project brought
everybody together. And, we
were even getting contributions
from the other islands, they’d
just ring up and say: "There's a
box of whatever coming...
“People rallied behind us. I
think maybe that's because we
are the smallest of the islands,
and also because we were the
last to build here”.
One thing all the Marsters
have in common is intense
pride in their English ancestor
William Marsters, who settled
on Palmerston with his wife
and mistresses in the 19th
century, which began the
dynasty that today includes
countless descendants living
in the Cook Islands, New
Zealand and Australia.
William Marsters was in his
twenties when he arrived in
the South Pacific in search
of adventure and fortune.
According to chronicles he
first settled on the islands
of Penrhyn, then Manuae,
before establishing his
family and business on the
island of Palmerston where
he mainly traded in copra
and bêche-de-mer (sea
cucumber) with the notable
Scottish trader from Tahiti,
John Brander.
The most celebrated
Marsters today is the
Queens Representative
for the Cook Islands, Sir
Tom Marsters KBE. He
is certainly considered the
leader of the Marsters clan,
or the head Marsters!
“I'm very proud to be a
Marsters”.
Amongst his achievements,
Sir Tom Marsters is also
an accomplished sportsman
having represented the Cook
Islands in boxing, rugby and
golf. He has also shone in
tennis, lawn bowls, martial
arts, and cricket.
Whilst he was in his twenties
at the Grimsby Institute
in Lincolnshire for two
years studying international
fisheries, Tom Marsters had
the unique experience of
playing against two of England
cricket greats.
“During my time in Grimsby
I enjoyed playing second grade
cricket as a batsman and a
bowler.
“The one match that stands
out in my mind was a charity
match between Yorkshire
and Lincolnshire in Grimsby.
On the other team we had
the likes of Geoff Boycott
(then Yorkshire and England
batsman) and Ray Illingworth
(then Yorkshire, Leicestershire
and England batsman spinner
and batsman). Illingworth was
the Yorkshire captain for the
match.
“I hit 32 runs off the ‘great’
Ray Illingworth! After the
match I took the ball with me!
The symbol for the Cook Islands Queens Representative
I actually kept it on my desk
for years until it disappeared. I
don't know how I lost it!
“But every time the question
was asked: what's that cricket
ball doing on your desk? I told
them the story of the Cook
Islander and the top England
cricketer!”
Sir Tom recalls just after the
Grimsby match that he was
in the shower when the ‘great
man’ Illingworth tapped him
on the shoulder, and asked:
"Where are you from, young
fellow? I hear you come from a
long way off.”
“I said: ‘Yeah, Cook Islands,’ to
which he responded: "Where's
that?"
Sir Tom knowing Illingworth
had visited New Zealand to
play test cricket explained that
the Cook Islands (then) was
part of New Zealand.
"We're New Zealand citizens,
but we're about 1700 miles
Sir Tom Marsters KBE outside Buckingham
Palace
away, north east of New
Zealand in the middle of the
South Pacific Ocean."
Illingworth was impressed,
adding: "You've kept the ball,
and I can guess why."
I replied: "Yeah, because I'm
going to tell all my friends and
anyone who ask me about the
cricket ball that I hit 32 with it
off a former MCC captain!"
Illingworth laughed and said:
"Good on you son!"
Tom Marsters was born on
Palmerston and brought up
by his paternal grandmother
in Avatiu and Nikao on
Rarotonga from the age of
four.
Later he attended Avele
Agricultural College in Samoa
to study general agriculture,
before moving on to the
Grimsby Institute in England
to study the fishing industry.
Sir Tom’s background in
agriculture and fisheries
naturally led him into a long
career in the Cook Islands
Public Service before he
entered politics.
“I was involved with the new
era of politics when Albert
Henry came back from New
Zealand in 1964. I was still
in my teens then, but my
grandmother actually said that
I should work with this guy.
This person will transform the
Cook Islands.
“So in 1964, I became part
of his team; probably the
youngest executive on his
team. After the 1965 elections,
I became the secretary of the
party for the next 30-odd
years. So I've been with the
“I'm very proud to be
a Marsters”
political system since the
beginning”.
On becoming the Queen’s
Representative, Marsters
presents his typical modesty.
“I wasn't expecting it. The
prime minister alluded to the
point that government was
thinking of honouring me,
but I told him there were
others who in my mind were
more deserving of the honor
than myself, and I still
stand by my words”.
Marsters resigned as
Deputy Prime Minister to
take up the role Queen’s
Representative role in 2013.
His knighthood came five
years later in 2018, which
was bestowed upon him for
‘service to the public and the
community.’
“Well, I suppose I've served
the public all my life!” said
Sir Tom.
Today, HE Sir Tom
Marsters KBE is the
Queen’s Representative:
“My role is to protect the
constitution of the country,
and to protect the interests of
the Her Majesty The Queen.
“I just have my secretary, who
is a senior lawyer, but we have
the backing of constitutional
lawyers overseas. So any issue
that affects the Crown, that
affects the Constitution, I am
well supported.
“I also call upon the Governor-
Generals in the region; we
have a good rapport, and a very
good relationship with all of
Her Majesties representatives
in the region”.
In conclusion, we asked Sir
Tom about how he felt about
the rapid growth of tourism in
the Cook Islands, and if he had
any concerns.
“I have no real concern, to
be honest. To me, tourism
is our lifeline. I believe that
provided we keep all the
necessary amenities in place,
our infrastructure in place,
especially with the sewerage
and waste management, and
water…all of those things;
provided we keep all of that
in check, then I think there
is room for expansion, there
is room for growth and
prosperity”.

6 BLACK PEARLS CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Pearls direct from the farm
FARM DIRECT PEARLS’ TEMU AND LESLEY OKOTAI
HAVE A LONG ESTABLISHED CONNECTION TO
THE SOURCE OF COOK ISLANDS BLACK PEARL
INDUSTRY, THE ISLAND OF MANIHIKI, WHERE THEY
OPERATE THEIR OWN PEARL FARM.
SITUATED IN HARBOUR HOUSE ON THE MAIN ROAD
AT AVATIU HARBOUR, THE FARM DIRECT PEARLS
SHOWROOM EXHIBITS AN ATTRACTIVE RANGE OF
BLACK PEARLS AND JEWELLERY. WE ASKED TEMU
AND LESLEY OKOTAI, A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT
THEIR LIVES AND THEIR LIVELIHOOD.
started their own separate
farms, almost at the same time.
The rest is history: the 1980s
and 1990s became a boom
period in pearl farming in
the Manihiki, Penrhyn, and
Rakahanga lagoons. By the
mid 1990s there were nearly
300 pearl farms operating in
these lagoons, and export value
for black pearls was close to
$20m.
Unfortunately in 1997 Cyclone
Martin destroyed much of the
Manihiki pearl infrastructure.
This was followed by a drastic
downturn in world prices for
pearls, and combined with
a few spells of unfavourable
lagoon conditions, saw many
leave the industry.
Today only the few with wellmanaged
and substantial farms
are able to continue farming,
and only in the Manihiki
lagoon.
Temu and Lesley
met as students in
Christchurch in the
1970s. After graduating they
returned to Rarotonga where
Temu worked as marketing
manager for what is now Cook
Islands Tourism, and later he
took over the management,
and Lesley taught at local
primary schools.
Temu then sought out jobs
in the private sector in New
Zealand and Papua New
Guinea while Lesley taught
at an International school
before returning to Rarotonga
eleven years later with their
two children to ensure they
would connect with their Cook
Islands’ heritage.
Temu was Chief of Staff for
former Prime Minister Sir
Geoffrey Henry for nearly
eight years, whilst Lesley
continued to teach.
Describe the Farm
Direct Pearls business
operation
We became involved with
black pearls through Temu's
Manihiki connection with
his father and brother
operating a pearl farm, but
with no business or marketing
experience.
Almost twenty years ago
we decided to start a retail
outlet to sell the pearls, and
to sell pearl jewellery in an
old colonial house owned by
CITC. When CITC built the
Building Centre on that site we
moved to the shop next door
so that our overseas customers
could still find us!
We have expanded our range
of black pearl jewellery
considerably since those
humble beginnings. Today
we cater for all tastes and for
all budgets: from inexpensive
lower grade pearls with simple
settings, to sophisticated,
elegant designs with top
quality pearls set with 14 and
18 carat yellow and white gold.
How do you
differentiate the quality
of Cook Islands black
pearls?
Top quality pearls are high
in lustre with clean surfaces;
that is no imperfections visible
on the surface in contrast to
lower grade pearls that may
Farm Direct Pearl’s Temu and Lesley Okotai
have blemishes visible on the
surface and may also have a
dull surface or matt look which
means they lack lustre.
We always advise our
customers to read the
Certificate of Authenticity
before making a purchase. The
Certificate of Authenticity
informs them of the grade of
the pear: Perfect, A, B, C, D,
quality, size and shape, so they
can compare prices and see
how each attribute affects the
pricing of each jewellery item.
Cook Islands black pearls are
defined as such because they
grow in the black-lipped oyster
shell. In a harvest we find a
wide range of exquisite colours:
for example peacock green,
gold, silver, bronze, green,
and aubergine. Some have a
beautiful rainbow of colours.
Those with good lustre will
reflect the colours we are
wearing.
The name ‘black pearls’ is a
misnomer because few are
black in colour. Some people
have the misconception that
the darker they are the better.
Colour is very much personal
taste relating to such things as
colours we like to wear, hair
colour and skin tone.
Tell us about the
development of the
black pearl industry in
the Cook Islands?
The farming of the blacklipped
mother of pearl
oyster started in the Cook
Islands in the Manihiki
lagoon in the mid 1960s.
Peter Cummings, who was
involved in the harvesting of
the Golden lipped shells in
Broome, Australia, observed
the Japanese start to seed
the golden-lipped oyster for
pearls; he came to the Cook
Islands and started a farm in
Manihiki.
Cummings successfully
produced beautiful black pearls
in the Manihiki lagoon, but
because of disagreements with
the island Council, he closed
the farm and left the island. It
was not until the mid 1980s
when pearl farming resumed in
the Manihiki lagoon, when the
late Papa Tekake Williams and
Yves Chen Pan from Tahiti
What is the process
of pearl cultivation on
Manihiki?
The Manihiki lagoon
has always been an ideal
environment for the blacklipped
mother of pearl oyster.
Before pearl farming started
in the lagoon the shell has
been a lucrative export, which
was harvested regularly on a
3 -4 years intervals. Another
advantage of pearl farming in
the Manihiki lagoon is the
ideal growing condition for
spat collection for the oyster.
Much of what we learnt in
pearl farming in the Cook
islands we learnt from Tahiti
and Japanese technicians who
worked in Manihiki.
Today we have both foreign
and local technicians
working in the
Manihiki lagoon,
and many foreign
workers are employed
by farmers to work on
their farms.
What is most often
received feedback you
get from buyers of
Cook Islands black
pearls?
People who have
bought Cook Island
black pearls from us
tell us how much they
love them, and that
they receive lots of
compliments about
their Cook Islands
black pearl jewellery.
Aerial view of the Manihiki lagoon
Lesley & Temu Okotai
Harbour House, Avatiu, ph 20 635
email: temu@mblackpearl.co.ck
On display in the Farm Direct showroom

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
BLACK PEARLS
7
Cooks’ Delight
Engraved Pearls
for Pandora
Cook Islands
Engraved Pearls
Carved Shell
Jewellery
Free Name
Engraving
Korori Ceviche (pearl shell meat) served with local herbs is a delicacy
in Manihiki, in the Northern Group Island. Variations of the dish are
a popular appetiser on menus in glitzy restaurants around the world
that have access to Mother of Pearl shell meat.
(Photographer: David Kirkland).
OPENING HOURS
OPENING HOURS
Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm
Monday-Friday, Tokerau Jim’s shop at 9am-2pm Arorangi
Tokerau - main Jim’s road shop opposite at Matavera
- main Crown road Beach on eastern-side Resort
next before to Muri Tik e-tours Beach
Saturday morning, 8am-12pm
Tokerau Jim’s shop at Punanga Nui Market
in Avarua, with pearl carving demonstrations
and free name engraving.
www.tokeraujim.com
Tokerau Jim at the Market
On a Saturday
morning you
might find
yourself wandering around
Punanga Nui Market
in Avarua. Outside his
busy market hut you will
encounter a modest ‘one of
a kind’ pearl carver, who
also happens to be one of
the world’s best, Tokerau
Jim.
Tokerau demonstrates
his pearl carving on
Saturdays, and also offers
free name engraving on his
surprisingly affordable
pieces of artistry,
including a wide range of
carved pearl necklaces.
Tokerau Jim designed
and carved pearl
jewellery is a perfect
special gift for family
and friends, especially
engraved with the name
of the recipient.
Tokerau Jim’s main retail
shop is located opposite
the Crown Beach Resort
in Arorangi, open
Monday to Friday.
There’s more than gold in Goldmine!
Goldmine is the Cook Islands
largest jewellery and gift
store, and it’s been located
on the main road of Avarua
in Rarotonga for more than
twenty-five years.
Goldmine manager Ngari Tutaka-
George has been there since it opened
in 1994, so what Ngari doesn’t know
about the jewellery and gift business is
hard to imagine.
Specialising in black pearl jewellery,
Goldmine also stock gold and
silver chains and charms; wedding,
engagement and dress rings; unique
Polynesian style rings in gold and
silver; opal, coral, amber and jade;
Lladro and carvings.
Ngari is pictured left presenting a
cherry amber pendant set in sterling
silver, the cost: $1400.00. Whilst the
amber jewellery might be expensive,
Goldmine offers a variety of jewellery
and gifts for all budgets and tastes.
COOK ISLANDS
Top Jewellery & Gift Store
BEST PRICES • QUALITY • SELECTION • SERVICE
BLACK PEARL JEWELLERY
– Avaiki Black Pearls –
Karen Walker Jewellery
Polynesian Style Rings In Gold & Silver
Wedding/Engagement & Dress Rings
Gold & Silver Chains, Charms, Earrings
Lladro | Amber | Jade | Coral | Opal
For the best deal in the Cook Islands
Come to Goldmine, Main Road, Avarua
Phone 24 823 | Fax 24824 | email goldmine@oyster.net.ck
www.rarotongablackpearls.com

8 ISLAND LIFE CoOK ISLANDS SuN
What services do
Bluesky offer to visitors
to the Cook Islands?
Bluesky keeps our visitors
connected while on
holiday. We have over
300 Bluezone WiFi hotspots
in the Cook Islands, giving
you easy Internet access to
your family, friends and social
media. Visitors can also enable
roaming on their devices.
We have over 270 roaming
partners. Check if your
network roams in the Cook
Islands on www.bluesky.co.ck.
Get talking with international
capped calling. Our one-hour
capped calling rates are some
of the best under the Pacific
sun. For up to an hour pay
only $5 to call New Zealand
and $10 to call Australia, Fiji,
UK, USA and Canada. Grab
yourself a Visitor SimCard
today. For only $49 it is preloaded
with 3GB Data, 30min
calling time and 300 texts.
Where are the Bluesky
retail offices, and what
are the opening hours.
Bluesky services the whole of
the Cook Islands. We have
outlets on all islands except
Takutea, Manuae, Suwarrow
and Nassau. We have three
Bluesky outlets on Rarotonga
open everyday. Main office in
Parekura opens from 8am -
6pm; CITC Avarua complex
office opens from 8am - 4pm;
Muri outlet opens from 10am
- 6pm. We also have an outlet
located outside international
arrivals area, which only opens
during international flights.
Where and how can
visitors find Bluesky
hotspots?
Bluezone WiFi Hotspots are
located throughout Rarotonga,
Aitutaki, the rest of the outer
islands at a variety of places
with bluesky
such as our airport, restaurants
& cafes, resorts, bars, shops,
markets and most public
meeting areas. A full list is
available on www.bluesky.co.ck
What tips do Bluesky
offer visitors to
maximise their SIM
cards/WiFi?
Assuming the visitor is
purchasing a Bluesky Visitor
SIM card:
• First tip would be to make
good use of the free SMS
txts and calling minutes to
contact friends and family
back home instead of relying
on data operated apps (e.g.
Messenger/WhatsApp/
Viber). Better yet, book
WiFi Tips
• If you have access to a
Bluezone hotspot at your
accommodation then save
on mobile data and upload
your photos/videos using
WiFi instead.
• Can't find your nearest
Bluezone hotspot? Visit
www.bluesky.co.ck and
find our map with over 100
hotspots located around
Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
There's sure to be one next
all your tours and make
reservations using your
minutes while on holiday.
• Save Data by switching off
all auto-updates, restrict
background data downloads
on your device.
• Use Data for live updates
or ‘in the moment’ posts via
your social media channels.
Upload your pics later using
WiFi.
• Switch off your data if
you're not using it - also
saves your battery life.
• Data add-on bundles are
not available on Visitor SIM
Card, so if you're needing
more data BUY another
Visitor SIM card just in
case.
• Download the MyBluesky
app on arrival to monitor
your data/mins/txts usage.
• Need to upload your photos
from your computer? Tether
data from your phone to
your computer and get
those important captures up
online in no time!
• Avoid using data when
visiting sites that may have
low data range/signal. Take
your photos and upload
them later once you're in
good range.
door or around the corner
from you.
• Make sure to log off your
WiFi after each browsing
session to conserve MBs
• Out of range? Visit any
of Rarotonga's cafes/
restaurant with our
Bluezone hotspots instead
and enjoy the comfort
there, along with good
food and atmosphere, and
a refreshing beverage!
Shipwrecked on a tropical island
ENGLISH BORN NEW
ZEALANDER’S STEVE
AND GERALDINE
MARSON ARE LIVING
A DREAM OF OWNING
‘THE PERFECT BEACH
BAR ON A TROPICAL
ISLAND’; AND IT’S APTLY
NAMED THE SHIPWRECK
HUT BEACH BAR.
Located at the Aro’a
Beachside Inn on
Rarotonga’s sunset
coast, you couldn’t pick a
better location with guaranteed
mind-blowing sunset views
every evening (weather
permitting).
Meeting and marrying in
Cheshire, both Steve and
Geraldine are from sales
backgrounds: Steve in
engineering, electronics,
computer and IT, and
Geraldine in pharmaceuticals.
“We met at night school
because we were working for
German or Swiss German
companies, so we both went to
night school to learn
German!” said Steve.
“We just clicked and
started going out in
January '86. We got
engaged about March
and got married in
July.”
They now have
two boys Will and
Dan, who are in
their mid-twenties:
Will is completing
his Masters; he's a
geomorphologist, and
Dan is a musician
in a band. “He’s a very good
guitarist and sings well too!”
“The boys were born in
Cheshire. We moved to Kent
when Dan was about six weeks
old, as I got a job there with
a company as European Sales
Manager for FACIT.”
Geraldine gave up work to look
after the children then later
studied to become a science
teacher.
“She is actually a scientist.
Her speciality was biology,
microbiology. And she's got a
degree in microbiology. So she
now got a secondary degree,
which is a teaching degree.”
The next big thing for Steve
was when they made him
managing director in the UK
for FACIT.
“I was now seriously into the
Geraldine and Steve Marson in their Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar, with staff
Anna, Stephanie and Priest in the background
IT and barcoding with this
company. They took me on
to introduce barcoding to the
whole group. It was really
pioneering stuff at the time!
“The business was sold, so
then I set up my own business
in Kent called Lynk Data
Systems. I did that for ten years
then I sold it, which made me
enough to retire on at the age
of 47!
Steve performing with Anania Brown
“We moved to New Zealand in
2008! Geraldine got a teaching
job. I was there three months
before I got so bored I joined
a company as general manager
doing very similar things I was
doing in the UK. That business
eventually got sold, so I took
time off and then found this
place.”
We are lucky to have
such a wonderful,
fun team!
Steve said he and Geraldine
had stayed at Aro’a Beachside
Inn in 2012, then came back in
2014 to find out it was for sale
and bought it.
Stephanie Vaiimene, the
general manager, has been
at Aro’a Beachside Inn since
Steve and Geraldine bought it.
Every Tuesday Stephanie does
a popular guest appearance
singing with the band at the
Bar. “We are lucky to have
such a wonderful, fun team!”
We asked Steve if the
Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar had
anything to do with them
buying the place.
“Every man wants
to have his own bar,
sure!” said Steve.
“I remember, at the
age of 17, we were
sitting on a beach
in Italy next to this
beach bar and I
thought, that would
be cool, to have a
little beach bar.”
Since arriving on
the island Steve has
developed his own
singing and guitar
skills to the point
where he performs
at the Shipwreck BBQ on
Saturdays. He also sings in
a guest spot on Tuesday and
Thursday nights when live
music is featured from 6.30pm
to 8.30pm. Famously, the
popular Rockin’ Jandals play
on Tuesdays with Rarotonga
guitar great Anania Brown,
and local DJ legend Ian
Wheeldon.
“What got me into singing
was when Geraldine and I
were on a skiing holiday in
France. They had this dressup
karaoke night. I went as
Batman, Geraldine went as Cat
Woman. I thought: I'll give
this a go and sang an Elton
John song. Then surprisingly
I had a request: Can Batman
please sing Daydream Believer?
Which I did, and I still sing
it today at the Shipwreck Hut
Beach Bar!”
DON’T MISS MOMENTS LIKE
THIS - GRAB YOUR VISITOR
SIM TODAY
From any of our Bluesky
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+682 29680 www.bluesky.co.ck BlueskyCookIslands Bluesky_CK bluesky_ck bluesky_ck

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ISLAND LIFE
9
A great night out in
Rarotonga!
“This Spectacular Over Water Night Show
and Buffet Dinner is an authentic
cultural delight!”
LONG ACKNOWLEDGED AS THE
LEADING PROVIDER OF CULTURAL
ENTERTAINMENT IN THE COOK ISLANDS, TE
VARA NUI VILLAGE WON THE ‘PEOPLE’S CHOICE
AWARD’ AT THE MOST RECENT COOK ISLANDS
TOURISM AWARDS; THAT WAS NO SURPRISE AS
THE IMPRESSIVE OVERWATER CULTURAL SHOW IS
WORLD-CLASS.
From the moment you
step into Te Vara
Nui Village you will
engage with local Maori
people who will share their
stories and their heritage; and
Rarotonga’s finest dancers and
musicians will entertain you
as they perform by flaming
torchlight on floating and
fixed stages within a waterfall
garden. And, let’s not forget
the delectable island-western
fusion buffet dinner, which in
itself is spectacular.
Located in the heart of the
Muri, a night out at Te Vara
Nui’s Spectacular Over Water
Night Show and Buffet Dinner
is an authentic cultural delight!
As they say at Te Vara Nui
Village, quite simply: “This
special place of tribute to
our distinctive culture and
its breathtaking setting will
remain in your memory long
after you return home."
The Te Vara Nui Spectacular
Overwater Extravaganza
happens in Muri every Tuesday,
Thursday and Saturday evening
from 7.30pm. Call 24 006.
WINNER OF AIR NZ TOURISM AWARDS - SUPREME AWARD, TOURS & ATTRACTION 2017 & PEOPLE'S CHOICE 2018 !
Muri Beach
Phone 24006

10 ISLAND LIFE
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
The last straw
TOURISM IS BOOMING AND FOR THE COOK
ISLANDS THAT MEANS ADDITIONAL STRESS ON
OUR PRISTINE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEMS,
SO WE HAD A CHAT WITH COOK ISLANDS’ LARGEST
CORPORATION AND THE BIGGEST EMPLOYER
OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT, CITC (COOK ISLANDS
TRADING CORPORATION), TO FIND OUT WHAT
THEY ARE DOING TO HELP RELIEF THE PRESSURE
ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO SUSTAIN THE COOK
ISLANDS FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
CITC is
everywhere
in Rarotonga;
they import, distribute,
wholesale and retail a
vast range of products
from building materials,
food and beverages,
to pharmaceuticals,
clothing, electrical
goods and furniture.
Most of CITC’s revenue
is derived from tourism,
or tourism-related
businesses.
Gaye Whitta is
the energetic chief
executive officer of the
corporation, which
includes a department
store - CITC Avarua, CITC
Pharmacy, the CITC Building
Centre, CITC Liquor, CITC
Supermarket, Foodland,
and three convenience stores
around Rarotonga: Oasis
Energy, Kavera Central and
KAPS Matavera; in addition
to CITC Duty Free at the
airport.
Notably CITC are proud
of their ‘Environment
Sustainability Policy’ and their
staunch commitment to the
future of the Cook Islands.
We asked Gaye what the
connection was between being
the biggest corporation in
Rarotonga and conceiving an
environmental sustainability
policy.
Gaye explained there were not
enough government guidelines
or importation legislation
at the moment, suggesting
CITC could do ‘pretty well
want it wanted’ as there’s really
nothing to stop them.
Panorama of CITC Avarua
Gaye Whiita, General Manager of CITC
“There's no law that bans
polystyrene; there's no law that
bans phosphate soap powders,
there is nothing there! As a
company, we had to look at the
sustainability of the country
because that's our income,”
said Gaye.
“When former New Zealand
prime minister Helen Clark
spoke to business leaders here
earlier this year, she pointed
out that you can't rely on
government to do everything.
We know that the government
is always going to be on the
back foot. It always takes too
long for them to make any
change, so what little we can
do, hopefully will make a big
change to the future”.
CITC are the biggest in just
about every business area
they operate, but they are not
without competition.
“In all of our areas we have
strong competition, but we
are usually leading the way in
most of those areas. I think
where people see us as being
the biggest, and a bit of a
monopoly, we're not, we've got
lots of competition within all
areas of our business”.
Certainly, one of the
areas of differentiation
is CITC’s Environment
Sustainability Policy,
part of which states: As
a business leader, we
will take initiatives to
guide our community in
environmental protection.
We will work with
Government and Non-
Government organisations
and community interests
to determine and promote
specific initiatives to
protect and enhance our
environment…
Gaye said the key to
their Environment
Sustainability Policy is training
CITC staff and getting them
aboard with the company’s
programs and initiatives.
“Part of the induction for
new employees includes
environmental training; they
learn about recycling and
waste management, and all
things green. It comes down to
education!”
“Education about caring for
the environment in Rarotonga
really starts in the schools.
That's why we started a
campaign through the primary
schools with a bin project,
donating a new recycling
station.
“The schools and the teachers
wanted to be involved with it.
So whenever we introduced
a bin system, George George
(CITC’s key brands manager)
would go out and talk to
the students about sorting,
and how it can save on the
environment.”
Significantly for CITC the
program was funded from the
proceeds of the sale of plastic
bags in CITC’s retail outlets.
CITC also drive an initiative
involving discarded cardboard
centred at Foodland in
downtown Avarua.
“Anybody can drop off their
cardboard to Foodland. We
compact it and separate it into
colored and non-colored. The
ones that are colored get bailed
and sent overseas at our cost.
A New Zealand company
reuses the cardboard. Local
farmers use the non-coloured
cardboard, which contains no
chemicals, for composting in
taro patches for example”.
CITC are a big importer of
fruits and vegetables; their
preference is to bring in as
much of that produce in
cardboard.
“Where we can, we just buy
local; it’s better because it's
fresher. We do bring in some
produce in polystyrene
containers to reduce
the damage to the
likes of broccoli and
cauliflower. But then
we re-use all of that.
We also encourage
people to reuse the
polystyrene if they are
going back overseas;
if they buy their fish
they can transport it in
polystyrene. That also
applies to chestnuts or
any local produce”.
CITC Pharmacy
under the leadership
of manager Shannon
Saunders, who has since
returned to New Zealand,
has steered the pharmacy
in support of CITC’s
environmental sustainability
policy, particularly in the
quest to reduce the amount of
chemicals entering lagoons and
landfill.
Shannon said CITC Pharmacy
opt for natural product
options in every section of the
pharmacy.
“People today want less
chemicals going into their own
bodies. But as far as chemicals
going into the lagoon, in
particular, the Ministry of
Marine Resources approached
us to ask if we would consider
going Oxybenzone free.
“Straight away we advised all
our suppliers we would not be
importing any products with
Oxybenzone, which included
CITC recycling bins
Leading the way with environmental products
sunscreens and some facial
products as well”.
Oxybenzone is an endocrine
disruptor that interferes with
the ecosystems in lagoons, in
particular the growth of coral.
Shannon said ideally the ban
on Oxybenzone would be
legislated so visitors would be
discouraged from bringing
products into the Cook Islands
containing the chemical,
resulting in confiscation and
possibly a fine.
“Just like when you come into
a country where you're not
allowed to bring in fruit and
vegetables; there would be
a bin offered to drop in the
banned items.
“And, because we're the biggest
importer, what we bring into
the country is sold to a lot
of other stores as well. So
whatever changes we make
filters down through the
small stores. That's one of
the big things for us; what we
do makes a difference to the
whole country,” said Shannon.
It is clear CITC engage in best
environmental practices when
they make purchase choices
for their retail and wholesale
businesses; each year adding
more to the list of
things they can do
to reduce the impact
on the environment,
predominantly from
imported products.
“This year we stopped
importing plastic
straws. So this year
was the last straw!”
beamed Gaye.
“And, in 2020 we will
no longer import single
use plastic bags. We
aim to be plastic bag
free!
“CITC really is
leading the way with this; it is
actually our corporate tagline,”
said Gaye.
“I think for anything to work
in the Cook Islands, you need
to have good direction. And
that's where we come from
as CITC, we've got good
direction and we can use that
direction to help shape the
future of the Cook Islands.
“We will continue to work
with the government (I sit
on the Waste Management
Committee), the local Te
Ipukarea Society, a nongovernment
organisation
dedicated to the health and
well being of the Cook Islands,
Rotary, and others who
approach us with worthwhile
initiatives to help sustain the
environment of the Cook
Islands into the future”.
Supporting Sustainability in the Cook Islands
No
single serve
polystyrene
food
containers
No
Phosphates
No
Oxybenzone
No
Plastic
Straws
Say NO
to Plastic
Bags
Continuing to minimise our impact on the environment

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
A1 MEITAKI AWARDS
11
Tourism operators recognised with
A1 Meitaki Awards
2019 MARKS THE FOURTH YEAR OF A1 MEITAKI
AWARD PRESENTATIONS TO WORTHY TOURISM
OPERATORS IN RAROTONGA AND AITUTAKI. WHAT
IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE AWARDS IS THAT THE ONLY
REWARD THE INDIVIDUAL OR BUSINESS RECEIVES
IS PUBLIC RECOGNITION AND A CERTIFICATE.
RECIPIENTS CAN ONLY BE DESIGNATED BY
VISITORS FILLING IN A NOMINATION FORM, EITHER
AT A COOK ISLANDS TOURISM INFORMATION
OFFICE, OR AT THE AIRPORT DEPARTURE HALL AT
RAROTONGA AIRPORT.
The master of ceremonies
and driving force behind
the A1 Meitaki Awards,
Metua Vaiimene, who is Cook
Islands Tourism’s Director of
Destination Development,
said at this year’s Rarotonga
presentation ceremony:
“We gather to acknowledge the
people in the tourism industry
and the Rarotonga community
who provide authentic
customer service to our visitors.
Through their friendly and
professional engagement with
our visitors, members of the
community continue to ensure
that any of our visitors can
access the wonders of our little
paradise.
“Cook Islands Tourism
encourages Tupuranga Tangata
or ‘development of our people’
as one of the principles of our
Mana Tiaki values under the
Kia Orana Values programme.
Kia Orana, Mana Tiaki, and
Tupuranga Tangata: These
values and principles have
been adopted by the tourism
industry. This means that we
will all celebrate, acknowledge,
and reward those members of
our industry that work with
passion to show our visitors
how we love our home – the
Cook Islands. Tupuranga
Tangata means that we will
reward and recognise the
skills, knowledge, talent and
Koka Lagoon Cruises received the highest number of nominations of any business
or individual. Pictured with the A1 Meitaki certificate is Serena Hunter
passion in our people in the
tourism industry.
Today, we recognise and
acknowledge particular
members of our tourism
industry, some are individuals,
and some are businesses that
have shown this exceptional
customer service to our
visitors. The A1 Meitaki
Awards is one way that we
can give that recognition
to those members of
the industry who show
passion in the way they
look after their guests and
clients”.
The Prime Minister
Henry Puna, who is also
Minister for Tourism,
was unable to make the
presentations at this year’s
awards so he nominated
Kia Orana Ambassador,
Aunty Nane Papa to
present the certificates on
his behalf.
This past year there were
over 500 nominations,
however only the top 35
individuals or businesses
for Rarotonga are
presented with an A1
Meitaki Award certificate.
This year A1 Meitaki
Award recipients were:
Ikurangi Eco Retreat, Cook
Islands Library and Museum
Society, Tumutoa Tours
Ngametua Mamanu, Villis
Burger Joint, Desiree Palomo
from Avana Waterfront
Apartments, Kura Happ,
Muri Beachcomber, Matutu
Brewery, Danny Mataroa,
Chad Hicks of Destination
Cook Islands and formerly of
Hawaiki Villas, Louisa Charlie
formerly of Club Raro, Paul
and Michelle of Castaway
Resort, Captain Tamas
Lagoon Cruises, Café Jireh,
Steph Jansen of Raro Reef Sub,
Sunset Palms Rarotonga, Dr.
Nick Stephany of the Ministry
of Education, Caroline Parel
of Pacific Resort, Little
Polynesian Resort, Kiikii
Motel, Antonia Poa of Captain
Tamas Lagoon Cruises,
Chantal Napa of Chantal’s
Concierge, David Putairi at
the Rarotongan Beach Resort
Hotel, Alone Aumaro formerly
of Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar
and Aroa Beachside Inn,
Lagoon Breeze Villas, Coral
Sands Apartments, Josephine
Jessie formerly of Ikurangi Eco
Retreat, Charlie’s Café and
Beach Hire, Thomas Ngauru
and Cook Islands Badminton.
The award winner that
received the highest number
of nominations over the past
18 months was Koka Lagoon
Cruises.
“I am so proud that five Cook
Islands Tourism staff members
were placed in the top 35 this
year: Marthalina Opuariki,
Tony Fe'ao, Ani Katu,
Lydia Nga, and Nane Papa,”
concluded Metua Vaiimene.
1
2 3 4
5 6 7
CAPTIONS:
1. Coral Sands Apartments: L-R
Vanissa, Brent and Eve Hayden,
and Eren
2. Musician Kura Happ with Aunty
Nane
3. Matutu Brewery’s Eric Newnham
with Aunty Nane
4. Steph Jansen from Reef Sub with
Aunty Nane
5. Castaway Resort’s Paul Ash with
Aunty Nane
6. Tumutoa Tours’ Ngametua
Mamanu
7. Debra Graham from Café Jireh
with Aunty Nane
AITUTAKI:
There was also an A1
Meitaki Award presentation
in Aitutaki, the 2019
recipients were: Arerua ‘Ali’
Maao-The Vaka Cruise,
Vaikoa Units, Aitutaki
Village, Etu Moana
Resort, Aitutaki Lagoon
Resort, Bubbles Below,
Elaine Savage-Aitutaki
Village, Teumere Koteka-
Heather-Aitutaki Escape,
Paul Turepu-The Vaka
Cruise, Andrew Rave-The
Vaka Cruise, The Vaka
Cruise, and Pacific Resort,
Aitutaki.
COOK ISLANDS HOLIDAY VILLAS
Cook Islands Tourism Awards 2018-2019
“Cook Islands News Business Sustainability Award 2018-2019”
TURANGI LAGOON VILLAS TUORO HOLIDAY VILLAS MURI LAGOON VILLA BLUE LAGOON VILLA BLUE LAGOON 5 BDRM VILLA
Our Turangi Lagoon Villa is a 4 bedroom, Our Tuoro Holiday Villa is a 4 bedroom, Our Muri Lagoon Villa is a 2 bedroom, Our Blue Lagoon Villa is a 1 bedroom, Our Blue Lagoon 5 BDRM villa
2 bathroom complex that can fit a 2 bathroom complex that fits a 1 bathroom complex that can fit a 1 bathroom complex that can fit a located behind our 1 bedroom villa.
maximum of 8 people. There are two maximum of 8 people. There are four
maximum of 4 people.
maximum of 3 people.
Can accommodate 10 people in our
villas situated on one property on the villas situated on one property on the This villa is situated right on the This villa is located 20 metres from fully self-contained villa and is a 40
sea side in the village of Turangi. back road in the village of Arorangi. beach in the village of Muri.
beach front
metre walk from beachfront.
HONEYMOON AND WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
EMAIL: STAY@COOKISLANDSHOLIDAYVILLAS.COM
PHONE: +68252321
WEBSITE: WWW.COOKISLANDSHOLIDAYVILLAS.COM

12 ISLAND LIFE
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Helpful hints for first time
visitors to Rarotonga
Belinda and Andrew Griffin, formerly of Rumours Luxury Villas & Spa
Belinda & Andrew Griffin are a couple of joyful
Australian adventurers who until recently ran
Rumours Luxury Villas and Rumours Waterfall
Spa in Muri. Over the past five years they became
experienced in offering their guests suggestions on
how to make the most of holidaying in Rarotonga.
These are some of the helpful hints they offered
their guests.
Relax
Interact with the locals
wherever you can; they
really are friendly. A good
introduction we recommend
to our guests is to head off to
Charlie’s for lunch or dinner
(or both), and enjoy their local
family hospitality and good
vibes.
Explore Rarotonga’s coast (and
inland) at your own pace; be
that on the buses; or rented
vehicle; there is so much to see
and do!
Experience lagoon life in
so many ways: snorkeling,
kayaking, SUP paddleboards
(day & night), kitesurfing, or
have fun just cruising to the
motu (little islands) in the
lagoon at Muri for a swim and
a BBQ lunch.
Enjoy an island night show,, or
try the ‘Progressive Dinner’ for
an insight into the lives of the
locals. But the BEST way to
start your holiday is booking in
with the multi-award winning
Rumours Waterfall Spa!
If you get the opportunity,
spend a full day in Aitutaki on
an Air Rarotonga package; the
lagoon there is considered the
worlds best!
Some places to sip on
a cocktail and watch
lly-proven,
the sunset
ines
Buy a fresh coconut off a
roadside vendor – top it up
Islands with Oils rum & pineapple juice
s medicinal (for a piña practices. colada), walk to the
beach, slip your shoes off and
is of the skin.
sip on your very own South
Pharmacy Pacific in cocktail! Avarua.
Alternatively, there are
fabulous beach bars dotted
around the island – some of
our favorites: the Sunset Bar at
OTB Restaurant…they make
a great Coconut Mojito; head
up the hill at Black Rock to
Antipodes for the best sunset
view and their rum punch
cocktails; the cocktails at the
Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar are
served in jam-jars; Wilsons
Beach Bar at Castaway Resort
is humming at sunset!
Need a designated driver?
Book a ‘Cocktail Hop’ with
Tik-e Tours - lots of fun on
their electric tuk tuks!
Nice places to enjoy a
coffee and relax
We are so spoilt for choice;
with some excellent baristas
on the island… some of our
favorites: Neil Dearlove at
his own coffee roasting house
in Matavera - located near
the KAPS store for that
early morning fix (closes at
11am). Muri township has it
covered: Ariki Café serves up
spectacular cold brew coffee…
LBV and Deli-Lious Café
serve constantly good coffee.
Beluga in Arorangi, where you
will find ‘Clarke Kent’ behind
the coffee machine serving
up a meal in a cup! Beluga
also supports local artisans by
stocking a range of gifts.
The Café located at
Beachcomber in town;
dependably great coffee served
barefoot with a smile - drop
in and spin some cool Retro
tunes on the turntable while
you enjoy your brew.
Getting your scooter license?
There’s a great tiny coffee
outlet called Salt located right
next door to the Police Station
in town.
Or, need a pick me up at
the end of the day? Nautilus
Restaurant in Muri does a
great Espresso Martini.
Things to do in the
township of Avarua
Take a relaxing walk along
the waterfront, great views
including the SS Maitai
shipwreck…clearly visible
off-shore; visit Avarua’s
white washed CICC (Cook
Islands Christian Church),
which was built in 1853;
across the road from CICC
is the Cook Islands Library
and Museum Society
building, special for local
history lovers. Close by is
the historic Beachcomber
building, a favourite drop
in spot: encompasses an art
gallery, a lovely retails shop,
and The Café for breakfast
or lunch.
On Saturday mornings
wander around the Punanga
Nui Market: be early to
grab your freshly baked
goods, almond croissants
and yummy sausage rolls
from VMV.
Eat out at a couple of our
favorites: Trade Jacks - rub
shoulders with the locals,
grab a cold beer, and relish
one of the best pizzas on
the island whilst sitting
waterside; then catch a
movie at The Empire
Theatre across the road.
Enjoy a quiet lunch by the
pool at The Lazy Trout
COOK ISLANDS BIOACTIVE OILS
M A DE IN THE CO O K ISL A NDS
Café, or takeaway Sushi and
smoothies from Body Fuel in
the market area and sit on the
rocks overlooking the ocean.
Some recommended
top photo spots
Sunsets! Sooo many spots on
the west coast: head to almost
any beach or beach bar!
During the day take a snap at
the ‘leaning’ palms beachside
at the defunct Sheraton
Hotel; the back roads and
planted fields of Rarotonga
are photogenic; venture into
the lagoon and take a shot
back towards the island and
its ‘gob smacking’ landscapes.
There are some beautiful
homes and old forgotten
houses that dot the island.
Many of your best images
will be on tour: from lagoon
cruises, to inland adventures,
and trekking. Sunrise at Muri
Lagoon is special for the keen
photographer!
Nice place to eat and
relax on a Sunday
afternoon
Order a spectacular Gourmet
Picnic Basket, Platter or BBQ
pack from Jenny and Grant at
Island Platters; given 24 hours
notice they will deliver and
you can do your own thing!
Nice places include Hidden
Spirit Café at the Maire Nui
Tropical Gardens; Sunday
lunches at Tuoro Restaurant
at Black Rock (you must
book) are always good value
accompanied by the sweet
turns of Kura Happ - top
Access & Benefit Sharing
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.
See the full range of the TeTika® Skincare
products at CITC Pharmacy in Avarua.
AVAILABLE AT
PHARMACY
Inspired by traditional, scientifically-proven,
Cook Islands regenerative medicines
www.tetika.co.ck
Inspired by traditional, scientifically-proven,
Cook Islands regenerative medicines
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.
See the full range of the TeTika ® Skincare products at CITC Pharmacy in Avarua.
www.citc.co.ck • www.tetika.com.au
THE Multi Award Winning
★★★★★
WATERFALL SPA
INDOOR WATERFALLS
VICHY SHOWER
COUPLES ROMANCE MASSAGES & VARIOUS OTHER MASSAGES
HALF DAY ESCAPES
FACIALS & BODY SCRUBS
PEDICURES & MANICURES
FULLY TRAINED THERAPISTS
MAIN ROAD, MURI BEACH, RAROTONGA
+682 22 551 info@rumours-rarotonga.com
www.rumours-rarotonga.com
tip… search her out as a ‘must
see’ act whilst on Rarotonga.
Antipodes at Black Rock
opens at 5pm on a Sunday -
head up the hill and enjoy a
spectacular sunset drinks, live
music, and dinner (booking
essential).
Some of the top
snorkelling spots on
the island
Most of Rarotonga’s lagoon
beaches offer ideal snorkeling.
Three spots we recommend
are: the Fruits of Rarotonga in
Tikioki; in front of the Dive
Centre in Aro’a Beach; and at
Black Rock in Nikao. They
all have wonderful marine
reserves. If you love snorkeling
be sure to book a sea-scooter
tour with Ariki Adventures -
very James Bond!
Things we love about
Rarotonga
Do you mean besides the
super stunning environment;
palm tree laden landscape,
and pristine unpopulated
beaches? Buying the business
of running Rumours Luxury
Villas and Spa nearly five
COOK ISLANDS BIOACTIVE OILS
M A DE IN THE CO O K ISL A NDS
AVAILABLE AT
PHARMACY
years ago has given us the
opportunity to share our love
for this island with the outside
world. What do we love most?
The people, the people, the
people; did we mention... the
people?
The colours, the culture,
the smiles, the laughter, the
local community and their
passion and vision for their
environment and future -
be prepared to fall in love -
we did!
Belinda & Andrew Griffin

Romance
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
on the Beach
ISLAND LIFE
13
SET AMONGST FIVE ACRES OF TROPICAL
BEACHSIDE GARDENS, THE ADULTS-ONLY
CROWN BEACH RESORT & SPA IN ARORANGI
IS A POPULAR CHOICE FOR TRAVELLERS
INTERESTED IN UNDERSTATED LUXURY, A
HIGH STANDARD SERVICE, AND SUNSETS!
The resort’s ‘Romantic
Dinner on the Beach’
is one of the more
exceptional indulgences offered
on Rarotonga. A beachfront
gazebo is the setting for a
perfect dinner in the tropics,
never to be forgotten. Set up
with white linen, silverware,
glassware, flowers, candles,
fairy lights and flaming tiki
torches, the three-course
gourmet dinner is selected
from an exclusive menu
designed especially for the
occasion.
With the magnificent sunset as
the backdrop, this distinctive
Rarotonga dining experience is
extraordinarily memorable for
guests and for dining visitors to
the Crown Beach Resort.
General Manager of the
Crown Beach Resort, Sierra
Glade, said:
“
It is a beautiful setting
that allows for privacy and
intimacy to celebrate special
occasions, or simply to spoil
your loved one. You can even
surprise your loved one with a
Romantic Dinner on the Beach
as our team is fully equipped to
help you plan surprise dinners,
or even proposals, to make a
lasting memory. The package
includes a delicious 3-course
dinner from a special menu, a
bottle of bubbles, special setup
with chosen theme colour, and
your own personal headwaiter.
“Due to the success of the
‘Romantic Dinner on the
Beach’, we now offer a
‘Romantic Breakfast on the
Beach’ including a bottle
of bubbles, which many
honeymoon couples are raving
over! Newlyweds are some
of those who experience
this beautiful and intimate
breakfast on their first
morning as husband and
wife!”
‘ROMANCE ON THE BEACH’
MORNINGS 7.30am - 10.00am
EVENINGS 5.30pm - 9.00pm
For bookings or enquiries
T: +682 23 953
E: info@crownbeach.com
W: www.crownbeach.com
Fb: Crown Beach Resort & Spa
Bring home Rito
Visitors to the Cook
Islands enjoy
taking home gifts
for friends and relatives,
but struggle with what to
buy that is authentically
Rarotongan. The
skincare products made
with cold-pressed virgin
coconut oils by Rito Cook
Islands are ideal. Visit
Rito at their workshop in
Tikioki near Muri, or pop
in to their retail hut at
Punanga Nui Market on
any Saturday.
Couples in particular enjoy the lagoon-side location and it’s intimacy at the Crown Beach Resort
Left: Rito Coffee & Sugar Body Scrub, coconut, macadamia oils and scented with vanilla.
Right: Rito Tangerine, Coffee, Coconut & Peppermint Soaps with a flower Ei Katu.
Naturally active skincare made o n t h e
Spa Ariki
Relax, Refresh, Renew...
island of Rarotonga
MASSAGE | FACIAL | MANICURE | PEDICURE
EXFOLIATION | WAXING | HAIRSTYLING & MORE
Open Monday – Saturday 10am - 6pm
Phone 23953 Email spa@crownbeach.com
Visit us 150m on the Muri side of the Fruits of Raro
Phone +682 20 134 or email info@ritocookislands.com
100%
Electric
Tik- e tours
pampering in paradise ...
relaxing massages, therapies
& beauty treatments
Open Mon to Sun
8.30am to 5.30pm
Late night Thursday to 9.00pm
ph: 25435 ext 7031
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Edgewater Resort & Spa
Cocktail happy hour
hopping
Personalised island tours
Wedding limo service
Airport transfers
The most fun you’ll have
on 3 wheels
Show your support and be
environmentally friendly

14 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ISLAND NIGHT SHOWS ON RAROTONGA
They are colourful, energetic and entertaining and, combined with a buffet-style feast, they
are good value for money. Enquire about the different Island Nights on offer; some are
smaller, intimate shows, others larger, spectacular shows with bigger audiences. Always
book to avoid disappointment. Note: details are correct at time of publication, but may
change seasonally. Always check with venue.
VENUE & SHOW DETAILS
* Family & group rates available; enquire with venue
DAY DINNER / SHOW BOOKINGS COST
MONDAY
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre 7.00pm/8.00pm 21 924
$110 adult / $65 child (6-11 yrs).
Includes transfers.
TUESDAY
Te Vara Nui Village 7.30pm/8.30pm 24 006
$109 adult ($119 with transfer) / $49
child (6-11)
The Islander Hotel 7.00pm/8.30pm 21 003
$49 adult / $20 child (5-12). Show only
$15pp
The Edgewater Resort & Spa 7.00pm/8.30pm 25 435
$65 adult / $25 child (7-12). Includes
transfers. Show only $15pp.
WEDNESDAY
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre 7.00pm/8.00pm 21 924
$110 adult / $65 child (6-11 yrs).
Includes transfers.
Muri Beach Club Hotel 7.00pm/8.00pm 23 000 $59 adult/$35 child (5-11)
THURSDAY
Te Vara Nui Village 7.30pm/8.30pm 24 006
$109 adult ($119 with transfer) / $49
child (6-11)
Crown Beach Resort 6.30pm/8.30pm 23 953
$55 adult / $30 child (3-12). Show only
$15pp
FRIDAY
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre 7.00pm/8.00pm 21 924
$110 adult / $65 child (6-11 yrs).
Includes transfers.
SATURDAY
Te Vara Nui Village 7.30pm/8.30pm 24 006
$109 adult ($119 with transfer) / $49
child (6-11)
The Edgewater Resort & Spa 7.00pm/8.30pm 25 435
$65 adult / $25 child (7-12). Includes
transfers. Show only $15pp.
The Islander Hotel 7.00pm/8.30pm 21 003
$49 adult / $20 child (5-12). Show only
$15pp
PERFORMERS
Crown Beach Resort:
Akirata Dance Troupe & Fire Dance
The Edgewater Resort & Spa:
Ta’akoka Dance Troupe
Highland Paradise Cultural Centre:
Home of the Tinomona Tribe;
E Matike Dance Troupe
Muri Beach Club Hotel:
Akirata Dance Troupe
The Islander Hotel:
Akirata Dance Troupe
Te Vara Nui Village:
Spectacular Overwater Extravaganza.
The Legend of Tongaiti.
Kikau Hut is a charmer
THE CIRCULAR SPACE OF KIKAU
HUT’S INTERIOR DINING AREA IS
COMPLIMENTED BY ALFRESCO
OPTIONS IN THIS AUTHENTIC
RAROTONGA-STYLE RESTAURANT. ITS
CHARM EMANATES FROM ITS RELAXED
ATMOSPHERE, GENUINE SERVICE, AND
YUMMY FOOD.
Husband and wife
Gordon Brown and
Rebecca Churchill
bought the business in 2015.
English-born New Zealander
Gordon is a civil engineer
by profession; Rebecca is a
kiwi accountant who owns
a consulting and marketing
agency in New Zealand.
Rebecca said when she first
visited Rarotonga in 2001
she fell in love with the place
and vowed to live here one
day. When she met Gordon,
they visited together and
soon shared the same vision,
returning every year, always
keeping a watch out for a
business to buy.
“Whilst on holiday, my aunty
and uncle dined at Kikau
Hut. They chatted with the
owners who mentioned they
Kikau Hut Restaurant
were looking
to sell,” said
Rebecca.
“We knew
the restaurant
and decided to
buy the place,
even though
I had just set
up my new business. Gordon
was really passionate about the
business, and it was agreed I
would come up regularly.
“We were getting close to
Raro; we had got married
here. We started to build a real
connection and an extended
family within Rarotonga,
so buying Kikau Hut really
changed our lives!”
Rebecca said they also have a
close connection to the Kikau
Hut staff: “some we inherited
Head chef Mata Marsters with Kikau Hut co-owner
Rebecca Churchill
like Nina and Lou, others have
come in since. We knew how
fantastic Mata Marsters was in
charge of the kitchen.”
Mata recently created a new
menu with emphasis on local
produce, including fresh ocean
fish daily fulfilling Kikau’s
‘Catch to Plate’ promise.
We asked Mata what his
favorite dish was to cook,
and he gently murmured
‘Mata’s Scollops’. According to
Kikau’s entrée menu the dish
is made with ‘scallops, rukau
and tomatoes poached in
Chef ’s own masala sauce,
dusted with parmesan
cheese, lightly grilled and
served with sliced melba
toast.’
Kikau Hut Restaurant
features a menu of
European food with island
flavours, home made
desserts, and live music
every Monday. T: 26860;
E: info@kikauhut.com;
www.kikauhut.com.
Matutu – the taste of the Cook Islands.
Started in 2006
100% locally
owned
Made using
sustainable
practices
No added
preservatives
Amazing beers
All natural
ingredients
Handcrafted by
E. Newnham
& J. Puati
No sugar
added
Tours Daily at 12pm and 1pm. Tours only $15. Pick up/drop off fee is $5 per person.
Free beer tasting on tour.
Visit us in Tikioki, Titikaveka. Telephone: 26288. Email: matutubrewery@gmail.com

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
15
WE ASKED TERINA TEIRI-KARAI THE WEDDING
& EVENTS MANAGER FOR MURI BEACH CLUB
HOTEL A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT GETTING
MARRIED IN RAROTONGA.
“
GETTING MARRIED IN
OUR ‘LITTLE PARADISE’
Choosing a ‘Destination
Wedding’ means no
stress, just having
to show up, and enjoy the best
moment of your life. Embrace
the culture of the Cook Islands,
immerse yourself in the beauty of
the land and lagoon, engage the
hospitality of the people, and let
this be the backdrop of your ideal
wedding, your dream wedding,
here in Rarotonga!”
What are the advantages
of getting married in
Rarotonga?
For New Zealanders it’s
perfect! We are only a few
hours away and we operate in
New Zealand Dollars. For
others from around the world
Raro is still the perfect place
for a Destination Wedding: it’s
a tropical paradise where you,
your family and friends can
combine a memorable wedding
with either a tranquil holiday,
or an action packed one! Also,
filing for the paperwork is
so much easier as you only
need to be on the island at
least 3 working days prior to
your set date, and you only
need a couple of documents;
once the ceremony is over you
are legally married, which is
internationally recognised.
What are the legal
formalities for getting
married in Rarotonga?
As long as we have a copy
of your passports, birth
certificates (in English), and
if necessary divorce papers or
death certificates, we can apply
for the marriage licence. The
Registrar requires at least 3 full
working days prior to the date
set for the wedding for us to
apply for the marriage licence;
it can be done within that time
but we need to pay a waiver
fee, which is an additional
$75. The couple also both
need to be present, as they are
required to sign the paperwork
in front of the registry staff.
Unfortunately, at the moment,
we are legally not allowed to
marry same sex couples on
the island. Other things that
need to be considered are the
celebrant and location of the
wedding, as these details are
vital for the marriage licence.
What wedding support
services are available?
There are so many service
providers on the island who
offer the most professional of
services including florists that
have such a beautiful eye for
Teiri-Karai from the Muri Beach Club Hotel
detail with the arrangements
of the local flowers that
suit the occasion, and the
budget. There are excellent
photographers to capture the
moment; and the hair and
makeup artists that find the
natural beauty of a person
without making you look, or
feel overwhelmed. There are
an abundance of transport
providers if you wanted a
scooter for two, a tuk-tuk for
six, a van for 12, or a bus for
30. This is the great benefit of
such a small island community
that they truly care and you
feel the warmth and embrace
the spirit of everyone trying
to make sure your wedding
day it your dream come true.
The best thing is that wedding
organisers like me are here
to support you, help you, and
organise everything for you.
What factors determine
the overall cost of a
wedding in Rarotonga?
Airfares and accommodation
are the main factors, however
once you add into the equation
the wedding package, any
additional services not
already provided for such as
photography, hair and makeup,
a little entertainment, then
these add to the cost. For
example, Muri Beach Club
Hotel have tried to help
make things a little more
economical by providing
an ‘All Inclusive Package’,
which is for 30 friends and
family for $6999 (NZD)
that includes the ceremony
and paperwork taken care
of, reception venue, lead
in buffet for 30 guests,
standard drinks package
for 3 hours, single tier cake,
and of course for you - a 30
minutes couples massage.
As an extra incentive we
can top this off with 5
nights in a beachfront room
if you have friends and
family stay with us for a
total of 15 nights.
Describe MBCH and
its packages offered
for weddings groups and
honeymoons
We are an adults only boutique
hotel set on the white sandy
beach of the Muri lagoon. On
the shoreline of the lagoon,
with the ocean and little islet
providing the backdrop for the
perfect wedding ceremony,
you can get married with the
sand between your toes. With
a choice of your reception
venue we set up with your
vision in mind. From two
guests to 120 guests we are
here to make memories for
your wedding day. The ‘Club
Classic Package’, which is
your ceremony covered for
$1199 you can have this for
an intimate ceremony for two
or add on to this package
additional services for a larger
group. If you want a no fuss
wedding and have up to 30
friends and family, we offer
the ‘All Inclusive Package’,
which as the name suggests.
If by chance you are already
married and have been within
six months we offer our ‘Just
‘Just Married’ scooter
Married Muri Magic Package’,
whereby if you stay with us
for 7 nights you can take
advantage of this awesome
deal which includes, a picnic
lunch day, breakfast in bed
day, and of course a pampering
for 30 minutes in our spa with
a blissful ‘couples massage’.
We have a comprehensive
wedding booklet that has
more information about our
services that I’m happy to mail
to you. Nothing is too big or
too small, we can control just
about anything except for the
weather!
How to contact Terina?
If you would like to know
more about getting married
in Rarotonga, or especially
at Muri Beach Club Hotel,
contact Terina either via
email on operations@
muribeachclubhotel.com,
or call +682 23000 or +682
76293. More information at
www.muribeachclubhotel.com
or Facebook pages: Weddings
at Muri Beach Club Hotel and
Muri Beach Club Hotel.
The
Spa
Phone 23000 to book
w w w . m u r i b e a c h c l u b h o
t e l
. c o m

RD
ARA T APU
ARA TAPU
25 9
1
21 20
22
13 14
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24
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AKAOA N
RD
NIKAO
ARORANGI
12
5 6
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2
AVARUA
4
11
TUPAPA
MATAVERA
NGATAnGIIA
16
CoOK ISLANDS SuN GUIDE TO
Eating&Drink
IN RAROTO
19
18
RUTAKI
VAIMAANGA
23 26
MURI
TITIKAVEKA
30 28 27
15
16
31
There is a eclectic variety of dining and drinking experiences on Raroton
waterfront, beachfront, and in other picturesque settings.
You’ll find a wonderful selection of cafés, restaurants, eateries and bars
all around the island.
Alberto’s Restaurant
Located between the Edgewater and Sunset resorts
on the main road in Arorangi. Alberto’s is well known
for their steak dishes but also offer seafood, chicken,
pork, pasta and a fresh salad bar. Small private
functions catered for. Open Monday to Saturday.
The bar opens at 5.30pm with dining between 6.00
– 9.00pm.
T: 23 597 or 55 725
E: dine@albertosrestaurant.co.ck
1
Antipodes Restaurant
Enjoy breath-taking clifftop panoramic views out over
the lagoon and ocean, while sampling Mediterranean
Inspired Cuisine. Located in a romantic quintessential
Mediterranean Villa - with huge outside dinning
terraces.
T: 28 873 or 73 900
E: events@antipodesrarotonga.com
www.antipodesrarotonga.com
Aqua Café
Located at Muri Beach Resort, the Aqua restaurant
and cocktail bar is alfresco poolside dining
‘Polynesian style’ bounded by tropical gardens. Daily
specials use fresh local ingredients, with fish of the
day straight off the boat. Open from 3pm daily for
cocktails and dinner.
T: 22 779
E: relax@muribeachresort.com
www.muribeachresort.com
Bond Liquor Store
The No.1 cellars in Rarotonga; check out our huge
range. Over 600 wines, all popular spirits, liqueurs,
beers, RTD’s, mixers, ice, etc. Open Monday to
Thursday 9.00am-5.00pm, Friday and Saturday
9.00am-7.00pm. Located on the main road Avarua,
opposite the Punanga Nui Market.
17 15 32
T: 21 007
E: trish@thebond.co.ck
Fb: The Bond Store
Flambé Restaurant
Flambé offers unique cuisine combining the legends
of the Cook Islands with contemporary style. The
exclusive fine dining restaurant offers customers full
air-conditioning or outside tropical courtyard bar &
dining area. Open 6pm Friday and Saturday. 16+ years.
Live Fire Show on Friday.
T: 23 953
E: restaurant@crownbeach.com
www.crownbeach.com
13
Kikau Hut Restaurant
A fusion of European and Pacific flavours, the Kikau
Hut, located in Arorangi, offers a top-rated friendly
and casual dining experience. Open from 6pm seven
days a week with live music on Mondays and a free
transfer service available by prior arrangement.
T: 26 860
E: info@kikauhut.com
www.kikauhut.com
Fb: Kikau.Hut
Laguna Restaurant & Bar
Innovative Pacific Cuisine with vistas of the pool
and blue lagoon at Muri. Cocktails. Wine. Cold Beer.
Located at the Moana Sands Lagoon Resort. Adults
only. Open daily from 8am to close.
T: 29 926
www.facebook.com/LagunaRarotonga/
Mal’s Bar at Edgewater Resort
Named after Mal Meninga, legendary rugby league
player and old friend of the Resort, Mal’s Bar is open
10am to midnight. A nice place to be any time of day,
or just waiting for the sunset. Enjoy the wide variety
of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including
a fine collection of international wines, local and
imported beers and spirits, as well as a range of
juices and exotic tropical cocktails.
10 27 21
T: 25 475 • E: stay@edgewater.co.ck
www.edgewater.co.ck
Ocean’s Restaurant & Bar
Relaxed private dining on the waterfront with vistas
of the beach, lagoon and sunsets, Oceans Restaurant
& Bar offers all-day dining including breakfast,
lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast from
8.00am-10.30am, lunch from 11.30am - 2.30pm, and
dinner from 6.30pm - 9.00pm. Happy hour is daily from
4.30pm - 6.30pm.
T: 23 953
E: restaurant@crownbeach.com
www.crownbeachresort.com
14
OTB Restaurant & Sunset Bar
Beachfront dining at award-winning OTB is enhanced
by the restaurant’s sandy floor, kikau thatched roof,
and contemporary Polynesian inspired menu. Open:
breakfast, lunch & dinner, OTB also features Happy
Hour from 3-6 pm, and live music from Wed-Sun,
and a BBQ & Dessert Buffet with Island Strings on
Sun. Free pick ups for guests who choose the min.
3-course table d’hôte menu at $49.50 & BBQ Sunday.
T: 22 461 • E: manuiaotb@gmail.com
Fb: OTB • www.manuia.co.ck
Progressive Dinner
The Progressive Dinner Tour takes you to the homes
of Cook Islands families to share their tasty local
food, and their stories. This is a relaxed wine and dine
experience visiting three homes for entrée, mains,
and dessert. When enjoying your meals at each
home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local
ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band
that will accompany you throughout your local dining
experience. Monday and Thursday from 5.30pm.
T: 20 639 • www.cookislandstours.co.ck
E: reservations@cookislandstours.co.ck
Shipwreck Hut Beach Bar
The Shipwreck Hut is an authentic beach bar situated
right on the sand at Aro’a Beachside Inn. Perfectly
positioned to enjoy the sunset sipping a famous ‘jamjar
cocktail’ or cold beer. Open daily from 5.00pm, the
Shipwreck Hut offers a range of drinks and bar meals,
with live music on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
3 19
T: 22 166 • E: aroa@aroabeach.com
www.aroabeach.com
The Lazy Trout Café
Located in Avarua, The Lazy Trout offers stylish
alfresco all-day breakfast and lunch, surrounded
by our beautiful tropical garden, clear blue pool,
and the stunning views of the mountain. Waffles,
espresso coffees, loose leaf teas, freshly baked
goods, smoothies, and full beverage list. Open daily
from 8 am, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy
outstanding cuisine and excellent hospitality.
T: 22 025 • E: hotel@wellesley.co.nz
www.facebook.com/TheLazyTroutRarotonga
2
The Lucky Rooster Eatery
The Lucky Rooster Eatery (formerly Café Salsa) is
a popular bistro & meeting place serving all day
breakfast & lunch. Relaxed atmosphere & family
friendly. Freshly cooked food & chilled drinks
including barista coffee, smoothies, beers, wines &
cocktails. Variety of catering platters available on
request. Located downtown Avarua, next to CITC
Shopping Centre & Pharmacy. Mon – Fri 7.30am–
3pm, Sat 7.30am–2pm
T: 22 215
E: contact@theluckyroostereatery.com
Fb & Instagram: theluckyroostereatery
Orders & Bookings: theluckyroostereatery.com
5
The Palms Restaurant & Rumba
Located at Club Raro in Tupapa, dine in our popular
Palms Restaurant or have lunch or evening nibbles
along our waterfront and poolside areas. We offer à la
carte menu with a wonderful combination of local and
international food.
T: 22 415
E: holiday@clubraro.co.ck
www.clubraro.co.ck
11
The Waterline Restaurant & Beach Bar
The ultimate for sunset, romantic beachside, or
ocean view dining; offering a fusion of European,
Asian & Pacific cuisine. Wide range wines, beers &
cocktails. Open: lunch & dinner from Mon-Sat; live
entertainment with Garth Young on Tue, and Bryan
Rodelas Wed & Fri. Waterline is also a popular ‘onestop’
venue for beach weddings & receptions.
T: 22 161/53 167
E: akisiraro@gmail.com
www.waterline-restaurant.com
8

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
17
ing
NGA
ga, many on the
to consider dotted
Café Jireh
Opposite the Airport, we’re world famous for our
coffee and custard squares. Everything is freshly
prepared including a huge variety of cakes, slices,
pies, sausage rolls & sandwiches; plus cooked meals
from bacon & eggs and eggs benedict, to island
pancakes, ‘Caveman’ and ‘Mega Angus’ burgers
(pictured). Open Monday-Friday from 7am-3pm;
Saturday from 8.30am - 1.30pm.
T: 24 776
Fb: CafeJirehRarotonga
25
Charlie’s Rarotonga
Located on Akapuao Beach, Titikaveka, Charlie’s is
open Monday to Friday from 11.00am to 8.30pm,
and on Saturdays from 11.00am to 3.30pm. Live
music Monday to Friday at 6.30pm, and on Saturdays
at 1.30pm. Dinner bookings are essential. Friendly
casual eatery with a laidback vibe!
T: 28 055
E: info@charliesraro.com
www.charliesraro.com
Coconut Crab Café
Located at the Discover Marine & Wildlife Eco Centre,
Arorangi, the Coconut Crab Café offers tasty food
& drinks to eat-in or takeaway including toasted
‘sammies’, Roti, Sliders, Lasagne, cakes, smoothies,
teas, & terrific coffee! Open Monday (9.30am) to
Saturday (10.30am on Saturday) until 4.00pm.
Deli-Licious Café
Located on the main road in Muri, check out our ‘allday’
breakfast menu and join us for awesome coffee,
friendly service and great home-style cooking. Try our
custard square and cheesecake- local favourites. Open
Sunday-Friday 7.30am-3.00pm. Wi-Fi available.
30 24 31
T: 23 344
www.discoverecocentre.com
T: 20 858
Check us out on Facebook
Margaritas Bistro & Bar
Pacific Café style, Margaritas is located on the Main
Road in Avarua. Espresso, cocktails, cold beer. Open
daily (except Saturday). All-day breakfast, sharing
platters, tapas and famous cocktails on happy hour.
T: 29 924
margaritas-rarotonga.business.site
facebook.com/MagaritasRarotonga/
Matutu Brewery
‘The Taste the Cook Islands’: Daily tours of this tiny
brewery just off the main road at Tikioki, Titikaveka,
at 12.00pm & 1.00pm (check roadside board
for changes). Cost $15.00 (+ $5.00 transport, if
required). Free tastings during the one-hour tour;
merchandise for sale onsite.
6 28
T: 26 288
E: matutubrewery@gmail.com
www.matutubeer.com
Nautilus Restaurant
Located at Nautilus Resort in Muri, Nautilus
Restaurant is a stylish Polynesian beachfront
restaurant & chic beach bar that can be enjoyed in
a fine dining a la carte setting inside, or casually
alfresco on the patio overlooking the lagoon & infinity
pool.
T: 25 125
E: res@nautilusresortrarotonga.com
www.nautilusresortrarotonga.com
16
Nonno Emilio – Ristorante Italiano
Just 150m from the Airport, Nonno Emilio Ristorante
Italiano (Italian owned & run) offers a variety of
authentic Italian specialties, including homemade
pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, lasagne and gnocchi.
Italian premium wines, Prosecco, ice-cold beers and
Lavazza coffee will make you relax in the shade of
our Alfresco terrace. Open for breakfast, brunch,
lunch & dinner.
T. 51 262 or 21 121 • www.nonnoemiliorarotonga
E: info@nonnoemiliorarotonga.com
12
Silver Sands Restaurant & Bar
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. On
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings,
the Silver Sands Restaurant & Bar offers à la carte,
on Wednesday - Island Night, on Friday - Pig & Prawn
Night, and on Sunday - Reef & Beef Night. Happy hour
is everyday between 4.00pm-6.00pm.
T: 23 000
E: info@muribeachclubhotel.com
www.muribeachclubhotel.com
18
Spaghetti House Pizzeria & Grill
The Spaghetti House Pizzeria and Grill at The
Edgewater Resort & Spa is conveniently located at
the Resort’s entrance on the main road. Open seven
nights from 5.00pm to 9.30pm, the air-conditioned
Spaghetti House Pizzeria and Grill offers authentic
Italian cuisine with a selection of pizzas, pastas and
other signature Italian dishes. Whether you are out
for an intimate dinner for two, a family gathering or
hosting a group of 20 to 60, the Spaghetti House can
take care of your special requests.
T: 25 441 • www.edgewater.co.ck
The Café
Located in the courtyard of the historic Beachcomber
Pearl Market and Art Gallery in Avarua, The Café
is known for its locally-roasted espresso coffee,
homemade cakes, and all day menu featuring
organic breads, bagels and croissants. Home to the
Rarotonga Vinyl Revival Club, relax and choose your
own music from the extensive record collection.
Open Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm and Saturday
9am – 1pm.
T: 21 283 • E: ianwheeldon@hotmail.com
The Islander Hotel & Hula Bar
The Islander Restaurant & Hula Bar overlook the
pool and the ocean offering cuisine made from fresh
ingredients supplied locally, as well as imports from
New Zealand. Open for breakfast from 8.00am, with
an all-day lunch, and dinner featuring light meals to
hearty options.
20 4 9
T: 21 003
E: info@islanderhotel.co.ck
www.islanderhotel.co.ck
The Yellow Hibiscus Restaurant & Bar
The Yellow Hibiscus is an open-air restaurant
overlooking the garden at Palm Grove. Open daily for
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is served
8.00-10.00am, light lunch 12.00-2.00pm, and a la
carte dining from 6.00pm Monday to Saturday, with
live music on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Sunday there
is a BBQ with live entertainment.
T: 20 002
E: beach@palmgrove.co.ck
www.palmgrove.net
26
Tumunu Restaurant & Bar
The longest established restaurant in Rarotonga,
Tumunu offers garden surroundings featuring local
artifacts and memorabilia. With its tropical garden
and unique dining room, the Tumunu menu offers
seafood, vegetarian, steaks, chicken and a children’s
menu. The seafood platter for two is a specialty. Open
seven nights from 6.00pm.
T: 20 501
E: jbateman@tumunu.co.ck
www.tumunurarotonga.com
22 23 7
Vaima on the Beach
Located in Vaimaanga, Vaima on the Beach offers
indoor & outdoor dining options in an island setting,
with the cuisine that has a touch of tropical flavours.
Open for brunch/lunch 11am-2pm, and dinner 5-9pm,
seven days a week, Vaima provide transfers to/from
accommodation on request.
Live music Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun.
T: 26 123
E: dine@vaimarestaurant.com
www.vaimarestaurant.com
Wilson’s Restaurant & Beach Bar
Located at Castaway Resort. Breakfast/Lunch 8am-
2pm. Bar open from 12pm. Happy Hour 3pm - 6pm.
Yakitori Skewers, Japanese Menu and Bar Snacks
from 12pm. Dinner from 6pm. Mon - Sun. Themed
Menus each night include: Pasta-A la carte - Mexican
- Pizza/Burgers - Seafood - Curry - BBQ. Live Music:
Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun 6pm-8pm. Cuban Cigars sold
exclusively at Wilson’s.
T: 21 546 • E: relax@castawayvillas.com
www.castawayvillas.com

18 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Edgewater Resort offers delightful
dining options for visitors to
Rarotonga, seven days a week.
LOCATED ON THE
SUNSET COAST AT
ARORANGI, THE
EDGEWATER RESORT
& SPA PRIDES ITSELF
ON WARM HOSPITALITY
AND AFFORDABLE
DINING FOR ALL.
The food and beverage
manager Austrian-born
Roland Neururer has
been with Edgewater Resort
for twenty-five years. Starting
as head chef, he soon took over
the F&B role he loves today.
Roland develops all aspects of
the dining and entertainment
to the taste of hotel guests,
visitors and locals, including
planning and catering for
weddings and special events.
“Our food and beverage
philosophy is simple: a
relaxed dining experience for
breakfast, lunch, dinner, or for
any occasion!
“We also have live
entertainment seven days a
week. I don’t think any other
resort has that.”
A central point for Edgewater
Resort is Mal’s Bar.
Overlooking the pool and
lagoon the bar is named after
Australian rugby league legend
Mal Meninga, who opened the
eponymous bar at the height of
his career.
“There are pictures of Mal
around the bar, which is open
from 10am to midnight. Often
visitors come to Mal’s Bar just
to watch the brilliant sunsets.”
The main restaurant is The
Brasserie, which also enjoys
epic views of the lagoon and
ocean.
Sunset dining poolside
Food and beverage manager, Roland Neururer
“Open for breakfast, lunch
and dinner seven days a
week, The Brasserie offers a
relaxed dining atmosphere.
We are in the middle price
range so there's nothing really
expensive,” said Roland.
“Breakfast is from 7.00am to
10.30am, then from 11.30
onwards we have our all day
menu that goes through to
9.30pm. Three nights a week
we offer a buffet dinner. We
always have lots of fresh fish,
which is supplied daily.”
Another eatery at Edgewater is
the Spaghetti House Pizzeria
& Grill located on the main
road at the resort’s entrance.
“Edgewater is big so we
needed a different outlet
with a different style of menu
especially for guests staying
for many days, so we have the
Spaghetti House Pizzeria &
Grill open daily from 5.30pm-
9.00pm. We offer home-style
pizzas, pastas and other
signature Italian dishes - all in
air-conditioned comfort!
“Many people like the air
conditioning but others prefer
to eat outside in the beautiful
garden area. They love to sit
and eat in the open-air and
watch the world go by!
“We do a lot of takeaways too,
not just pizzas, but from the
whole menu!”
Another feature of Edgewater
Resort is their island night and
buffet feast every Tuesday and
Saturday. They are popular so
it always best to book!
The legendary buffet features
iconic Cook Islands cuisine,
and an amazing dessert buffet
that includes Bomb Alaska
ice cream cake: “We are very
famous for our Island Night
food.”
The Islands Night also features
one of Rarotonga’s most
entertaining cultural shows.
“Edgewater Resort is big on
food and beverage. One menu
we run seven days a week,
but then we also have other
different menus available every
day.
“And, our pool is available to
visitors who dine in the resort
for breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
Now that’s that's pretty cool!
Meet the folks at Vaima
SITUATED ON
RAROTONGA’S SOUTH
COAST, VAIMA ON
THE BEACH IS ONE OF
RAROTONGA’S ‘MUST
TRY’ EATERIES.
The smart interior
dining room features
local artworks; outside
there's a marquee and genuine
beachside dining. Pacific
cuisine Raro island-style is on
the menu seven days for lunch
and dinner, and takeaway pizza.
Vaima is owned and operated
by Cameron and Dorothy
Robertson: Cameron is a
Scotsman with a Liverpool
accent; his father left Arran
for England at 15 looking for
work, settling in Liverpool
when Cameron was two.
Dorothy is born and bred in
Scotland.
Living in Merseyside until
21 Cameron moved to the
Highlands to work in the oil
yards at Nigg Bay as a weld
inspector. There he played
semi-pro soccer for Ross
County FC for many years.
In the early 90s he worked
offshore on the Brent Bravo
in the North Sea where he
met his wife and business
partner, Dorothy, who was
working in administration.
Life partners: they married
in Scotland; they remarried
in Las Vegas, and married
again in Rarotonga!
Dorothy had a house and
shop in Ballater, near
Balmoral, from where she
commuted to the rigs: “That’s
when we got together before
moving to Arran where we
ended up having a restaurant
and a hotel,” said Cameron.
“We sold up and came to
Rarotonga in 2001. There was
a wedding in New Zealand
and we visited Raro on the way
back, deciding over a glass of
wine at Trader Jacks
that this was the place
for us! Six months
later we were living
here. We bought
and developed what
is today known as
Castaway Resort.
“We sold it in 2007
then took a year
off renovating our
house.”
In 2008 Dorothy and
Cameron became
involved with
Under the marquee at Vaima
Aquarius, a property near
the airport: “It was a joint
venture with the owner, but we
eventually pulled out.”
In 2010 they bought Vaima
Restaurant in Vaimaanga and
the Nu Bar near the airport.
“Vaima had been around since
1975, but sadly it burned to
the ground in 2014. We were
devastated!”
Cameron Roberston at Vaima on the Beach, with
entertainer Rudy Aquino in the background
They married
in Scotland; they
remarried in Las
Vegas, and married
again in Rarotonga!
Dorothy & Cameron Robertson, New Year at Castaways 2001
Cameron said they were lucky
to still have the Nu Bar at this
time.
“That was a kind of blessing,
as we moved our restaurant
there virtually the next day”.
The landowners rebuilt the
Vaima structure, and Dorothy
and Cameron furnished the
new restaurant’s interior and
kitchen: “We’ve continued to
grow since re-opening in
2015.”
Cameron said his best
friend is his wife Dorothy:
“We are good sounding
boards, we’re good mates,
and we like doing things
together.”
In addition to working
with menus and other
Vaima matters, Dorothy
runs an island fashion
retail outlet across the
road called ‘Inspirations
of Rarotonga’.
Always immaculately
garbed island-style
Dorothy is the
embodiment of her retail
fashion shop, which also offers
custom-made dressmaking.
‘Inspirations of Rarotonga’ also
has lots of parking, ideal for
Vaima on the Beach diners.
“Dorothy is the main
inspiration for Vaima’s menu
and what goes on in the
kitchen. She in the restaurant
every morning, then
back again around
5pm; tastes all the
sauces and generally
checks everything is
clean and in place.”
“I’m more the PR
guy!”
We asked Cameron
about the future:
“Well, we are getting
close to the end of our
working careers and
would like to retire, so
the Vaima is now up
for sale!”
discover
paradise
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR
Edgewater Resort & Spa

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
19
A stylish town eatery
with hangout appeal
THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF INTERESTING PLACES
TO EAT AND DRINK ON RAROTONGA, BUT THERE
IS ONE POPULAR EATERY THAT JUST ABOUT
EVERYONE ON THE ISLAND WILL HAPPEN UPON!
Located next to the
CITC Pharmacy in
downtown Avarua,
The Lucky Rooster Eatery
(formerly Café Salsa) has
what all food and beverage
businesses crave: location,
location, location. And it is a
great place to hang out!
The eatery’s owners Martina
Uhlig and Armin Schwander
are from Switzerland.
Arriving in Rarotonga three
years ago the longtime
friends and business partners
have developed the original
café into a stylish eatery
and popular meeting place,
recently
including
an outside
catering
component
for events and
weddings.
According
the Martina
and Armin
The Lucky
Rooster Eatery
staff have
given them
an insight
into the local
culture and
communities:
“We have
learned a lot from them, and
they have learned from us.
It is a beautiful exchange in
cultural knowledge,” both
partners agree.
Armin and Martina’s
professional backgrounds are
the similar, but different.
Martina is from Zurich,
Armin from Lucerne. Both
have travelled extensively,
individually and together, and
both have worked in events
and hospitality.
As a teenager at language
college Martina recalls
wanting: “to experience life,
have money, and travel!” She
speaks Swiss German, High
German, English, French,
Italian and Spanish.
Included in the varied places
Martina has worked are
Cape Verde, the Maldives,
the Galapagos Islands, and
Thailand.
Something felt
special, beautiful
and magical here in
the Cook Islands!
Martina completed a
three-year course with the
Swiss School of Tourism &
Hospitality, which led her
to be employed by a catering
and events company that
specialised in “super big
events”.
At one time Martina was
employed by one of the
country’s best-known
companies that published
cookbooks and consulted
for supermarket chains. She
scouted different countries to
check out product trends.
Another skill Martina
acquired was the teaching of
yoga. “I also registered for
a Chinese medicine school,
but wanted to travel before
committing to the course”.
It was at this time Martina
planned to meet up with
Armin in Fiji. Armin was
Armin and Martina, fun owners of The Lucky Rooster Eatery
arriving from Mexico,
Martina from Bali. Three
days before the reunion
Cyclone Winston happened
around Fiji. Travel plans
quickly changed and they
met in Rarotonga instead, a
place they had never heard
of before, but was to change
their life plans forever!
“When I was doing the big
events, Armin was an event
manager in one of the venues.
That's how we met”.
Fresh and healthy homemade food
Armin is from Lucerne. He
speaks German, French and
English. When at school he
started a commercial business
apprenticeship and became
a textile tradesman for huge
corporate company, but he
yearned to see the world so
he moved to Guernsey to
work in a five star resort as
a bartender, which gained
him valuable expertise from
bartending professionals.
After returning to Switzerland
working for a promotion
company, he got a job bar
keeping on a German cruise
ship, “The German version
of the Love Boat – they were
shooting a TV series”.
“When I came off the ship
I worked for the mother
company of the same
company as Martina worked
in. I was doing ‘bar concepts’,
and ended up assistant
general manager”.
After more travel Armin
did a three-year tourism and
hospitality course, similar to
the one Martina completed.
Once qualified he was
headhunted and moved to
South Africa ‘to join a circus’
as side-kick to the owner.
Armin described it as an
ambitious project similar to
Cirque du Soleil. “The world
tour started in Montreal, but
soon the eccentric owner went
bankrupt!”
On return to Switzerland he
worked for a communications
and event company managing
a converted cinema in Zurich,
where he met Martina, who
was working for a company
that held events in the venue.
Armin and Martina have
been close friends and fellow
travellers since!
Both had
separate business
interests that
often kept them
apart, until
they met up in
Rarotonga in
February 2016.
“We had such
a great time
in Raro we
wondered if
we could buy a
business or work
here.”
A few days
before they were
due to fly out
they heard Café Salsa was
for sale, looked it over and
decided to buy.
“Something felt special,
beautiful and magical here
in the Cook Islands!” said
Martina. “We were at the
right time, at the right place,
making the right decision.”
“We saw the potential of
the place and we knew the
lifestyle that comes with it!
Being business partners made
it possible for one of us to
be here, while the other one
travelled!” added Armin.
“Café Salsa was a strong
brand on the island, but
we don’t serve Central or
South American food, so
we decided on a new name
more connected to the area.
One animal that everyone
sees and hears in Rarotonga
are the roosters. They are
everywhere; we have made
our peace with ours,” said
Martina.
“We made them part of our
new brand name: The Lucky
Rooster Eatery. We changed
the ‘café’ part of our name
too, because we are not just
a place for coffee and cake.
We are an eatery that proudly
prepares fresh and healthy
homemade foods daily for our
customers”.
“Rarotonga is the greatest
place on Earth; the vibe and
the energy of this place is
outstanding. It just makes me
happy!” beamed Martina.
Armin added: “The beauty
of the environment, of the
people, the smell of the
ocean, … and I want to
become a good kite surfer.”
Fb & Instagram:
theluckyroostereatery
Homepage:
theluckyroostereatery.com
JOCELYN BALLANTYNE IS THE UNPRETENTIOUS
CHEF AT ANTIPODES, A CLASSY, ‘IN-DEMAND’
RESTAURANT IN RAROTONGA WELL KNOWN FOR
IT’S DELECTABLE MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED
CUISINE.
Jocelyn is one of the most was a magnificent private
appealing and original home.
voices in recent years to
enter the Rarotonga restaurant
scene, the kind of chef who can
tempt the palate of ordinary
people who just like to eat well
and enjoy their food.
Antipodes is not the cheapest
eatery in town, but with
Trip Advisor’s number one
restaurant rating in Rarotonga
for value, service and food, one
patron recently described it as a
‘top spot for top-end dining.’
Located within a cliff-top
Mediterranean-style villa
at Black Rock near Avarua,
Antipodes offers matchless
views over the sparkling
South Pacific Ocean.
Occupying one of the
loveliest, airy spaces
of any restaurant on
the island, Antipodes
is open for dinner six
nights a week (except
Tuesdays), and for
lunch on Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays.
Not only is Jocelyn
Ballantyne the executive
chef, she owns the
joint! So, we asked her
to tell us a little about
herself and the concept behind
Antipodes.
Professional
background
Trained in New Zealand.
Worked on Waiheke Island
at a number of well-known
restaurants. Prior to acquiring
the Antipodes site, spent last
around eight years working at
the four most exclusive resorts
on Rarotonga and, in last two
as Executive Chef.
The creation of
Antipodes
Twelve years ago whilst on
a holiday in Rarotonga, my
partner and I came across this
Mediterranean style villa at
Blackrock, which at the time
The sign says it all
Antipodes,
an Epic Name for
an Epic Restaurant
At the time, we thought it
would be the perfect place to
set up a business specialising
in weddings, events, with
a restaurant and boutique
accommodation.
In 2017 the property came
on the market, we purchased
it and over the next seven
months, carried out extensive
renovations of the building to
convert it in such a way that
it could accommodate our
commercial plans. Everything
we imagined we would do
with the property, we finally
achieved in reality.
Superb accommodation at Antipodes
The Antipodes menu
No other restaurant in
Rarotonga specialises in
Mediterranean-inspired
cuisine. We provide
patrons with a menu that is
exceptionally varied, with
dishes from a number of
countries situated in the
Mediterranean region.
Top spot for top-end
dining.
Antipodes ambience
Antipodes has a unique
location perched on top of the
Blackrock Cliff that affords it
commanding views out over
the lagoon and the South
Pacific Ocean.
The ‘romantic’ Mediterranean
villa is very photogenic. The
position and way Antipodes
has been built, provides
maximum protection
from the elements. And,
Antipodes is perfectly
situated to take in the
magnificent sunsets.
Antipodes is also arguably
the best spot on the island to
easily view the Humpback
Whales that migrate from
Dining views over the South Pacific Ocean
Jocelyn Ballantyne: executive chef
and co-owner of Antipodes
Antarctica each year to spend
time in the tropical paradise
of Rarotonga between the
months of July through to the
end of October. From our
three spacious outside dining
terraces patrons can observe
magnificent whale
breaching and tailslapping
displays.
Antipodes,
the specialty
caterer and
accommodation
provider
The renovations we
carried out converted
the building and site to
accommodate weddings
and events. A luxurious
115 sq.metre bridal
suite was created on the
eastern side of the property,
which can accommodate up
to four adults in two en-suite
bedrooms that lead out to the
suites' private 200 sq.metre
courtyard - complete with a
pool on the cliff edge looking
out to the ocean.
Entertainment at
Antipodes
On Sunday evenings
Antipodes has its ' Sunday
Sunset Session', which features
live local entertainment. Each
Sunday of the month has a
different entertainer.
Antipodes, the future
To continue with our treasured
Antipodes team, to each
day try our best to provide
outstanding dining experiences
for our guests. And, to build
Antipodes up to be the premier
venue to enjoy a romantic
meal, celebrate weddings and
anniversaries, and other special
events.
Above all, to remain respectful
and hospitable to all our
patrons!
Antipodes Restaurant
T: 28 873 or 73 900
E: events@
antipodesrarotonga.com
www.antipodesrarotonga.com

20 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ONE OF THE MOST
UNDERSTATED CAFÉS ON
RAROTONGA RESIDES
WITHIN THE HISTORIC
BEACHCOMBER BUILDING
JUST OUTSIDE AVARUA,
WHICH ALSO HOUSES AN
ART GALLERY AND AN
UPMARKET GIFT SHOP.
IT IS SIMPLY CALLED THE
CAFÉ.
The Café is home to the
Vinyl Revival Club
with its astonishing
collection of 60s, 70s, and 80s,
and Polynesian, vinyl records
ranging from Bobby Darin,
The Monkees and Diana Ross,
to Elvis Presley, The Troggs,
and Aretha Franklin.
About as laid back
as it comes on the
island.
Customers can personally
select and play their own music
to accompany their coffee,
cake, or light meal. Open
Simply The Café
SHOPPING
Owner Claire shows off the latest addition to the vinyl record collection
for breakfast, brunch and
lunch Monday to Saturday,
The Café serves up first-rate
espresso coffee, homemade
cakes and tasty fresh food,
including vegetarian and
vegan options. Try some of
the all time favourites such as
smoked marlin salad and feta
olive focaccia, or toasted bagel,
salmon and cream cheese!
Lots of character with a lovely
shaded courtyard, this unique
little treasure of Rarotonga is
about as laid back as it comes
on the island.
P.S. The Vinyl Revival Club
LOCAL PERSONALITY AND BLOSSOMING ENTREPRENEUR
MEREANI TALBOT IS ACTIVE IN MANY SECTORS OF THE
RAROTONGA COMMUNITY, BUT THE ENDEAVOR SHE IS MOST
PASSIONATE ABOUT IS HER BACK YARD ‘ARTS & CRAFTS’ TOURS.
Coffee and cake at The Café
‘mobile disco’ operated by DJ
Wheelie (Ian Wheeldon) also
makes regular appearances
at clubs and pubs around the
island, including Trader Jacks
and the Cook Islands Game
Fishing Club.
All roads lead to Raro
PHILLIP NORDT IS AN EXTRAORDINARY
ENTREPRENEUR WHO HAS BEEN MOVING TOWARDS
HIS DESTINY IN RAROTONGA SINCE THE 1980S. HE
CAN THANK HIS MOTHER FOR HAVING THE VISION
TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND WITH HER TWO SONS ON A
CAMPERVAN TRIP SEEKING OUT OPPORTUNITIES.
Today Phillip is a
Rarotonga resident,
master chef , master
baker and restaurateur, whose
energy is boundless.
Born in Landau, after two
years national service in
Germany, Phillip became a
management trainee with the
Vier Jahreszeiten Munich
(hotel), studied hospitality and
tourism in Vienna, and was a
commercial sales manager with
the Grand Metropolitan Hotel
Group in Frankfurt.
Years later he earned
a Bachelor of Arts in
Culinary Arts in Dunedin
and became a culinary
arts tutor, most recently
at the Cook Islands
Tertiary Training Institute
(CITTI) in Rarotonga.
New Zealand was a
goldmine of opportunities
Handcrafted ‘Back Yard’ Tours of Rarotonga
Self confessed
gourmet
for Phillip who met the right
people to help him build on,
and invested in, a range of
cafés, restaurants, clubs, and a
hotel marketing & an inbound
tourism operation. Phillip
also became passionately
involved with the international
gastronomic society,
OTB On the Beach Restaurant & Bar
Culinary entrepreneur, Phillip Nordt
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’s
Christchurch chapter, now
he heads up the Cook Islands
chapter, which he started.
Married to Frances (the Cook
Islands connection), they have
two children Hanny (21) and
Harry (20).
Chef Phillip Nordt, selfconfessed
gourmet, has worked
for Pacific Resorts and CITTI
in Rarotonga, but is now the
owner of OTB On the
Beach Restaurant &
Bar at Manuia Beach
Resort. At the 2018
Cook Islands Tourism
Awards, OTB won the
‘Emerging Tourism
Leader Award’. It’s
been a long journey from
Landau to Rarotonga,
but Phillip knows it has
been worth it!
Born in Manihiki, Ani
(as she is best known),
spent most of her
childhood in Auckland, and
most of her working life in
New Zealand and Australia
in the IT industry, but that’s
another story. She returned
to the Cook Islands a few
years ago with her family,
particularly wanting her two
boys to connect with their
Cook Islands heritage.
Ani is now the perfect host
and tour guide, personable
and knowledgeable about
the forgotten and often
rarely seen local artists and
craftsmen, including wood
carvers, weavers, ukulele
makers, shell-carvers and
jewellery designers. Back
Yard Tours also visit makers of
coconut oil skin care products,
pareu (sarongs), and black pearl
jewellery. The list goes on! Most
tours will visit eight or nine
places, depending on what people
are open on the day of the tour.
A three-hour+ Rarotonga Back
Yard ‘Arts & Crafts’ Tour is an
Ani Talbot of Back Yard Tours
interesting and fun ‘shopping
experience’ for both the shopper,
and the non-shopper!
The tour travels around the island
visiting the skilled artisans in
villages, workshops, and literally
some backyards!
“This is the only combined
cultural and shopping tour
experience in Rarotonga,”
said Ani.
“Cook Islands arts and
crafts are so beautiful and
this unique experience
gives our guests a sense of
appreciation for what these
artists and vendors do”.
Ani added: “Nearly everyone
who visits the Cooks wants
to purchase a special gift for
others, or a keepsake to remind
them of the wonderful time they
had in Rarotonga. Many want
to buy locally made; Backyard
Tours offers overseas visitors
the opportunity to meet our
talented locals and see how they
make their products right here in
Rarotonga.
Back Yard Tours travel in an airconditioned
van in small groups,
with a minimum of two guests,
and a maximum of eight.
The tour generally takes between
3 and 4 hours, including pick up
and drop off.
T: 26 457 or 81 899
E: bookabackyardtour@gmail.com
Fb: www.facebook.com/
backyardtoursrarotonga/
Treasure Chest
'A SHOPPING TREAT'
Rarotonga's largest
selection range of island
clothing and footwear,
together with an
extensive range
of souvenirs, craft
and gift ideas.
FOUR GREAT SHOPS:
Mana Court in Avarua
(Tel. 22325)
The Edgewater Resort
(Tel. 28325)
Pacific Village Muri
(Tel. 21325)
and, The Rarotonga
Beach Resort
(Tel. 27325)
treasure@oyster.net.ck

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
SHOPPING
21
Tropical fashion vibes
Cook Islands style
Id.CK (Identity
Cook Islands)
is a popular
fashion store
located in
Banana Court,
Avarua -
Rarotonga’s
main township.
The store stocks
a broad range
of resort wear
for men and
women from swimsuits
and hats, to evening
wear and tops, jewellery
and accessories, to beach
footwear and sunglasses.
“If you want to
look great and feel
comfortable on your
tropical getaway - id.CK
is the place to shop! We
stock a wide variety of
brands, including from
NZ, Australia and the
USA, with a focus on
natural fabrics with lots
of vibrant colours – just
the way we dress here in
the Cook Islands,”
said shop manager
Rachel Harris Best.
1. id.CK’s SUNNY GIRL range
speaks for itself – tropical prints, great
fabrics, stylish and contemporary.
Pictured is a SUNNY GIRL
dress for $85, accessorised with
chandelier earrings and a clutch from
ADORNE – Australian accessories
fashion house.
2. AMELIUS brand
collection is all about tropical
colours and prints; pictured
is an off shoulder number –
perfect for hot days, priced at
$99. The outfit is accessorised
from id.CK’s ‘funky’
sunglasses and jewellery range.
3. White is a great colour to wear on
a Cook Islands holiday. The attractive
men shirt with palm tree embroidery in
fine cotton fabric is only $29.90.
The lady is wearing a stylish playsuit
from AMELIUS priced at $120.
5. Kaftan is the
versatile friend for
all your vacations.
id.CK’s beautiful
kaftans are from
LULA SOUL,
priced from $99.90.
4. Look great on the
beach in this vibrant
tropical bikini – priced at
$39.90, and a fine cotton
pure white maxi skirt
priced at $29.90. And, of
course, not forgetting a
wide brimmed hat from
id.CK’s sunhat range.
6. id.CK’s stylish Men’s
Hawaiian shirt collection will
make you want to own one.
Excellent quality, priced at $59.90.
Select from a huge range of
colours. Sunglasses from CARVE,
an Australian surf brand.
Looking for a unique
cultural experience?
Then take a look at Pacific
Weave in Panama (next to
the airport) and learn about
the art of weaving. Try your
hand weaving, and leave
with your own hand-made
souvenir. Traditional weaver
Nanave Taime will show you
how, and share stories about
life in the Cook Islands.
Pacific Weave is a unique
store in Rarotonga with
a window to the arts and
culture of the South Pacific.
Call Nanave on 27 535 to
book a weaving class; they
are suitable for adults and
children.
Pacific Weave
The Perfumes of Rarotonga
factory outlet located next
door to Pacific Weave has been
making pure virgin coconut
oil soaps for years; produced
by hand in small batches
from traditional recipes, with
scents capturing local flowers
including gardenia, frangipani,
and jasmine. Some of their
soaps are unscented and some
have healing qualities with the
addition of Noni health tonic.
The soap is wrapped in the leaf
of the pandanus tree, which
is a trademark look of the
Perfumes of Rarotonga Pure
Coconut Oil soap. Perfumes of
Rarotonga offer daily factory
tours.
Coconut Oil Soaps

22 ISLAND LIFE
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Charlie’s, a great
'chilled-out' local eatery
EVER WONDER WHERE
TO FIND THE MOST
RELAXED, CHILLED OUT
PLACE FOR CASUAL
EATING AND LIVE
MUSIC WHEN YOU ARE
ON VACATION? WELL
WHEN ON RAROTONGA
YOU NEED TO CHECK
OUT CHARLIE’S IN
TITIKAVEKA.
A
handful of years
ago Charlie’s began
modestly in a
beachside container with
kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels
and flippers at Titikaveka.
Today, it is one of Rarotonga’s
most enjoyed venues for casual
all day dining, which also
features live evening music
from Monday to Friday.
The container has been added
to but the first thing you’ll
notice is the expansive back
deck and alfresco dining
options with an affordable
menu that includes a variety
of crowd-pleasing gastronomy
from burgers, fish and chips
and toasted sandwiches, to
sashimi, fresh salads, beer
on tap and cocktails. There’s
added seating near the bar.
The owners, Charlie and
Mary Tapurau Hoskings are
two of the happiest people
on Rarotonga. They love life,
they love their family, and
they love their businesses,
Charlie’s Rarotonga and
the new Charlie’s Villas at
Matavera.
Charlie’s began
modestly in a
beachside container.
Whilst Charlie and Mary first
met at Rarotonga’s Tereora
College, they got together
later when they both started
dancing with the Ta’akoka
Dance Troupe: “It’s named
after motu Ta’akoka out there
in the Muri lagoon,” said
Maryy.
“We were married in
Rarotonga and have six
children: Anthony, Vivian,
Tamatoa, Charlie Jnr,
Christian, and one daughter,
Elsie. The oldest is 38 and the
youngest 20. Anthony was
born in Rarotonga, the others
in Australia.”
Initially Charlie studied to
be a pastor in Melbourne at
the Harvest Bible College,
which specialised in training
for Christian ministry.
Graduating with a BA, he and
Mary lived in Australia for 21
years.
Mary was a homemaker and
Charlie’s Rarotonga logo and lagoon image
Charlie Tapurau Hosking with Charlie’s Rarotonga’s
A1 Meitaki Award
mother: “But, I also did odd
jobs in supermarkets and in
telemarketing,” said Mary.
“I came back in 2005 because
my dad passed away and my
mum was alone, so I came
back first. Charlie returned
later after he sold our house.”
Back in Rarotonga, Charlie
worked for four years at
Tereora College as a PE
teacher before starting the
Hosking’s first tourism
venture in 2010, which was
accommodation on family
land, Te Akapuao Studio
Villas. Then came beachside
Charlie’s Rarotonga, also
on family land, where they
rented out paddleboards
and snorkelling equipment,
and started a basic café open
during the day.
Charlie Jnr, who now manages
Charlie’s Rarotonga,
said he was just happy
to help out when his
parents started the
business. He began
the Charlie’s Facebook
page and Instagram
account for the café
and beach rentals:
“That was in 2014.”
“I was born and raised
in Clayton south east
of Melbourne, then
moved to the city
later. I came to Raro
in 2005 with mum
and dad. I lasted a
year then went back
working mainly in
retail and management
where I learned a lot
about advertising and
marketing, graphic design and
web design at that time.”
Charlie Jnr added: “This is
a really a family business,
although we also have a few
Indonesians working for us!”
“When we got our bar licence
about two years ago, Mum
decided we should start
serving dinner, so we did that.
“Then we added live music.
I was playing Mondays and
Fridays and Dad was playing
Tuesdays and Thursdays, and
we had Tok Haurua coming in
on Wednesdays”.
Charlie Jnr played guitar and
piano, Charlie Snr guitar and
ukulele.
“Today, Anania Brown plays
on Monday, Tupous Fynest on
Tuesday, Tok on Wednesday,
Kahiki and Mo on Thursday,
and Dad’s band PVC on
Friday: Pania, Varani and
Charlie Snr. Koti Teina also
performs on Friday.”
“On Saturday afternoon from
1pm we’ve added Mo, Ronnie,
Jimmy and Mii to the line-up
of musicians.”
The Charlie’s Rarotonga
menu is wide-ranging, and
includes local fresh fish,
chicken and steak.
Charlie Jnr represented Cook Islands in basketball
“Our sashimi is always fresh
off the boat,” said Charlie
Jnr. “We have also started to
incorporate some Indonesian
cuisine.”
Charlie Jnr is a basket baller
who has represented Cook
Islands, most recently in the
Polynesian Basketball Cup in
Samoa.
In his leisure time, Charlie
Snr is the vice president of the
Cook Islands Rugby Union.
Charlie’s offers live music from Monday - Friday
from 5pm
He and the Hosking family
are also avid supporters of
the Ngatangiia - Matavera
Sea Eagles rugby league club
where Charlie Snr played in
the B Grade as a teenager.
Charlie’s Rarotonga is one of
the club’s sponsors.
“The Sea Eagles Club won
the 2019 competition in June
completing the season without
any loss!” said Mary.
Charlie’s Rarotonga also
sponsor the Titikaveka
Bulldogs Rugby Club, the
Turangi Cricket Club and
others groups and events.
“We sponsor sports all the
time!” said Mary. “But we’re
also a sponsor for other
things like the Maori Speech
Competition, which is for
local schools.”
“Another event we
have been involved
with has been
the Cook Islands
Sevens!”
The Hosking family
is sporty, and they
are community
minded, but they are
also one of the top
visitor-orientated
businesses in
Rarotonga, having
been presented in
2019 with an A1
Meitaki Award
by the Cook
Islands Tourism
Corporation. To
receive an A1
Meitaki Award
a business, or
individual, must be nominated
multi-times by visitors to the
Cook Islands. Nomination
forms are only available from
the Cook Islands Tourism
Information office in Avarua
(or Aitutaki), and in the
Rarotonga International
Airport departure lounge.
Businesses are nominated
for ‘excellence in service to
visitors’.
On weekdays and Saturday
from 11am Charlie’s serves
up hearty light meals, teas,
coffee, smoothies and cold
drinks. Licensed, Charlie’s
also opens for dinner Monday
to Friday until 8pm, each
evening accompanied by
live music from some of
Rarotonga’s finest musicians!
Saturdays 11am-3pm, closed
Sunday.
Charlie’s Rarotonga &
Charlie’s Villas
W: charliesraro.com;
E: info@charliesraro.com;
T: 28 055

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ADVENTURES IN PARADISE
23
TEN MUST DO’S
WHEN VISITING
RAROTONGA
1. Ask for taro with your meal.
It is a staple root vegetable used
in the Cook Islands as a side to
other dishes. Most island night
feasts include it, as do many
restaurants.
2. Rent an electric bicycle and
tour the island. You can peddle
normally, or pedal-assisted, or
ride fully electric. No vehicle
emissions, so it can’t be bad for
the Rarotonga environment!
3. Visit the Punanga Nui
Market in Avarua on Saturday
morning to soak up the
cultural atmosphere, buy local
fruit, veggies, handicraft, and
jewellery. Enjoy a coffee, pastry
or smoothie.
4. Stroll down historic,
picturesque Makea Tinirau
Rd (opposite Beachcomber),
past the Cook Islands
Christian Church and some of
Rarotonga’s oldest and most
interesting buildings (and
graves).
5. Enjoy a walk along the
waterfront from the Avarua
Harbour to Avatiu Harbour or
vv, stopping to view the
SS Maitai shipwreck (1916)
just past the reef, whose engine
block is clearly visible.
6. Black Rock is a lovely beach
just past the airport opposite
the golf club. It’s a good
snorkelling and body boarding
spot. Be startled occasionally
by low flying, wide-bodied
aircraft approaching Rarotonga
Airport.
7. Muri Beach with its wide
lagoon and quaint little islands
is a watery wonderland with
snorkelling, paddle boarding,
kite surfing, and lagoon cruises;
and, a lovely village for lunch
or coffee.
8. At the entrance to Muri
lagoon is Avana Point; nearby
is a peaceful park with the
circle of seven stones, which
commemorates the fleet canoes
that left for New Zealand from
there seven hundred years ago.
9. A visit to Rarotonga is not
complete without an evening
out at one of the many island
night shows that can match
almost any budget. The cultural
dancing, music, and buffet
feasts are not to be missed.
10. Rarotonga has mountainous
volcanic terrain covered with
beautiful dense jungle. There
are various poorly marked
tracks, but the cross-island trek
is the ‘must do’: better with a
guide than not!
Q+A With Corinna Tucker, the new owner of “Storytellers” Eco Cycle Tours
Tell us a little about
your personal and
professional background
I
am from New Zealand,
originally from Hawkes
Bay. In 1999 I moved to
Palmerston North to complete
my tertiary education and
ended up staying there for 18
years. I gained my PhD in
Sociology in 2011, and from
2010 worked full time at
Massey University. I spent the
last six years there employed as
an Environmental Sociology
Lecturer.
What inspired you to
buy Storytellers?
When I discovered Storytellers
was for sale, I knew it was
something I should follow up
on, as the timing of it coming
up for sale was perfect in terms
of my own circumstances,
and it seemed a good match
for my own background,
interests and experience. The
chance to operate a business
that focuses on disseminating
a better understanding for
visitors about local culture and
environment here in Rarotonga
is something that I really value,
and the Storytellers business
was a great way to be able to
do that. Having Jimmy (Jim
Mare) already involved in the
business as a Storyteller (tour
guide) and Jimmy wanting
to stay on and become more
involved, was another great
incentive for me as well.
How do you feel about
living and working in
Rarotonga?
I love living here. I loved
the place from the moment I
stepped of the plane here for
a visit 10 years ago, and I’ve
been coming back regularly
ever since. In early 2018 whilst
I was based in Rarotonga for
my research sabbatical, I knew
that this was where I wanted to
be! I enjoy the work that I do
here now at Storytellers.
What is the philosophy
behind Storytellers, the
business?
For me it is really about
providing a better
understanding of the Cook
Islands, and in particular
of Rarotonga in relation to
history, the people, and the
land. If visitors can better
appreciate the importance of
the relationship between the
people and culture, and the
land and environment, then
this will inspire visitors’ caring
and respect for the people and
place while holidaying here.
Can anyone join a
Storytellers tour,
regardless of age and
fitness level?
Just about anyone can enjoy
a Storytellers tour! The
youngest participant was a five
month old (before my time),
and we had an 80-year old
lady not long ago. We offer
three different length tours
so visitors can choose which
tour best suits them, whether
it is the shorter 3-hour one, or
the longest at 5 hours. The
important thing to keep in
mind is that Storytellers is
more about people enjoying
and learning about Rarotonga,
Long-time Storyteller tour guide Jimmy on the job
than it is about the cycling:
bicycles are just a great way
to explore parts of Rarotonga
that visitors otherwise may not
encounter, while at the same
time learning more about this
beautiful place.
Typically, what do your
customers experience
on a Storyteller Tour?
Customers largely dictate
what it is that they will see
and experience: each person is
asked what they are interested
in learning about, or seeing,
and our Storytellers will do
their best to incorporate as
much of that into the tour.
Common experiences include
learning about marae and
the Ariki system, local fruits
and vegetables, medicinal
plants, legends and stories
from the past, the impacts
of missionaries, fishing, the
weather. Sometimes visitors are
lucky to encounter some local
artists; on two occasions this
year guests have been fortunate
to come across investitures in
progress.
With your background
in environmental
sociology, do you
intend to use that in
Rarotonga?
I hope to bring that into the
business – it’s a really neat
fit having a background in
teaching and researching,
primarily in the area of
environment and people.
Overseeing Storytellers
provides the opportunity to
share my passion directly with
people, and through how the
business is operated. I hope
that opportunities will arise
where I can use my skills and
experience in a positive way to
help with the environmental
protection and integrity of the
Islands in particular.
Does Storytellers
have Mana Tiaki Eco
Certification?
I am in the process of
completing the certification
application. For me it is a
huge priority to become more
environmentally friendly,
and to do this to the best of
our ability and in every way
that we can. We are already
limiting fossil fuel use; we no
longer sell bottled water, and
are switching to biodegradable
equipment and cleaners for
example.
What is your opinion of
the growing emphasis
on eco tourism in the
Cooks?
I think eco tourism should
be a priority here. The
environment is such a huge
draw card for visitors and
hence integral to the economy
of the Islands. It would be
such a huge shame to see the
environment compromised
for the sake of bringing in
more tourism dollars without
thinking long term about the
environmental, social and
cultural impact.
How do you see
Storytellers role in the
future of tourism in
Rarotonga?
I would like to see Storytellers
stick around for a long time,
and only get better over time.
It would be great to think that
we can become an exemplary
model for eco tourism in the
coming years.
Tours
starting
from
all tours include a
delicious lunch or
$79sunset cocktail.
We give
10%
of our profit
back to the
community.
23450 or 53450 tours@storytellers.co.ck www.storytellers.co.ck
It was such a relaxing ride filled with so many interesting things
about the people, land and culture.
Explore the ancient back road ‘Ara Metua’ and learn about
Rarotonga’s history and culture from a passionate local storyteller.
No two tours are the same!
Three tours are available, ranging in length from three to five hours.
Ride at your pace and to your ability.

24 SEE & DO CoOK ISLANDS SuN
E-cycle around the island
A
great way to explore
Rarotonga at your
own pace is to rent an
e-bike, getting some exercise
on the way! They are easy to
operate, and suitable for all
fitness levels.
Tik-e Bikes recommend three
cycling options: cycle as you would
on a normal bicycle, peddle assist up
to 35kph, or go fully electric. You
can circumnavigate the island twice
on a single charge (a charger comes
with a Tik-e Bikes rental).
The first to offer this novel
environmentally friendly way to
enjoy the island, Tik-e Bikes are
located opposite the Crown Beach
Resort in Arorangi. T: 28 687.
ADVENTURES IN
PARADISE
ADVENTURE COOK
ISLANDS
Want to visit some of
Rarotonga’s best diving
spots; Adventure Cook Islands
is a good place to start. They
also rent scooters, kayaks,
& bikes, do the Raemaru
Mountain trek, and teach
Cook Islands dancing and
drumming. T: 22 2212
KOKA LAGOON
CRUISES
For an amazing excursion on
Muri Lagoon filled with
laughs, music and snorkeling,
experience Koka Lagoon
Cruises. Included is a fish
BBQ on a small island (motu),
a display of coconut tree
climbing and coconut husking.
T: 27 769
STORYTELLERS ECO
CYCLE TOURS
Storytellers are the only
tour guides on Rarotonga
to lead these unique cycling
experiences, offering a variety
of bike riding to suit all
fitness levels. Enjoy learning
about the island’s history,
flora and fauna from locals.
T: 53 450
No
Licence
Fees
Tik- e bikes
Electric bike hire
DISCOVER MARINE
AND WILDLIFE ECO
CENTRE
This is a great place to learn
about the creatures that
inhabit the Cook Islands, both
on land and in the sea. It’s an
interactive centre for all ages,
with live fish and coconut
crabs, birds, a theatrette, café,
and marine exhibits.
T: 23 344
KITESUP
WATERSPORTS
CENTRE
Based in Muri, Rarotonga’s
original watersports
centre offers the lot: kiteboard
lessons, stand up paddle boards
(SUP) rental, sea scooter
snorkel tours, night and day
paddling tours, yoga on a
paddle board, and a surf shop.
T: 27 877
RARO REEF SUB
MARINE LIFE ECO
TOURS
The Cook Islands’ only
semi-submersible tour
leaves several times daily
from Avatiu Wharf, weather
permitting. A great photo
opportunities for sea life,
and for picturesque views of
Rarotonga and the SS Maitai
shipwreck. T: 55 901
THE BEST ECO WALKS
IN RAROTONGA
Pa Teuruaa has trekked
Rarotonga for three
decades, most famous for his
cross-island trek. Whilst Pa
still leads a Medicinal Herbal
Walk twice a week, his nephew
Bruce now escorts the crossisland
trek three times a week.
T: 21 079
CAPTAIN TAMA’S
LAGOON CRUIZES
Established in 1992,
Captain Tama’s Lagoon
Cruizes continue to provide
a memorable Muri lagoon
glass-bottom boat tour and
snorkeling experience, packed
with Cook Islands humour,
fun and a BBQ on the motu.
T: 27 350
THE PERFECT WAY
TO SPEND SATURDAY
MORNING
Next to Avarua, Punanga Nui
Market is a lovely glimpse
into Cook Islands culture every
Saturday morning with locals
selling their fruit, veggies, fish,
recorded music, handicrafts,
pearls, jewellery, coffee and
pastries, just about everything!
THE DIVE CENTRE
Also known as the ‘Big
Fish’, The Dive Centre
opposite the pristine Aro’a
Marine Reserve has everything
a snorkeler or scuba diver
needs, including equipment
rental, dive trips, and dive
courses for individuals &
groups. T: 20 238 or 55 238.
TIK-E TOURS
They’re 100% electric and
100% fun. Experience
the open air and the silence
of an electric ‘tuk-tuk’ vehicle
that allows you to enjoy your
personal tour of Rarotonga,
and maybe their famous ‘sunset
cocktail hop’, or whatever!
T: 28 687
RARO QUAD TOURS
Brother to the cool Raro
Buggy Tour is the
Raro Quad Tour. If it’s true
adventure you’re after then you
won’t be disappointed with the
90% off road Raro Quad Tour
through Rarotonga’s rugged
inland jungle and hidden
valleys. T: 23 000

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
SEE & DO
25
Kura Happ is the real deal!
Amazing live entertainer
and now reef tour guide
KURA HAPP IS A
GIFTED AND ARTISTIC
RAROTONGA-
BORN VOCALIST,
GUITARIST AND
SONGWRITER WHOSE
PERFORMANCES
AROUND THE ISLAND’S
MUSIC SCENE
ARE SOULFULLY
ENTERTAINING AND
SPIRITED.
She is one of those unique
restaurant entertainers
who performs in an
unpretentious yet eye-catching
manner at a sound level where
you can both appreciated her
sweet music and enjoy your
meal. But, Kura wasn’t always
this way!
Kura Happ has been on a
musical journey since she
was a young child when her
grandparents brought her
along to church to sing with
the choir.
Born in Rarotonga, raised
in Sydney, Kura began her
musical pathway learning the
piano, but she got disinterested
with it and didn’t continue.
As a teenager still at school
Kura and her sister Leilani
practiced their musical skills
busking during the holidays in
Sydney’s busy shopping district
around Pitt Street, the Town
Hall and Central Station,
and also nearer to home at
Hurstville and Cronulla.
“My best friend is my sister.
We’re both singers. I would
play guitar and she had the
ukulele.”
“We’d carry those little fold
out stools with our instruments
on our backs and a little
Djembe drum. We’d walk
around and set up at the best
place; no sound system just
acoustic.”
Kura said they played different
styles of music from the R&B
music of Destiny’s Child
and TLC, to Dr. Hook, The
Eagles, Cat Stevens and Bob
Dylan (influenced by their
parents taste in music): “I love
Dr. Hook!”
“My mum was the one that
really got us into our music.
She can play. And, she took us
to musicals like Miss Saigon,
The Lion King and Ipi Tombi.
There was so many I can’t
remember them all!”
Kura and Leilani ultimately
became a duo R&B group
called Brown Sugar for a
period with some success
around the club circuit.
“We did a few big gigs like
Waitangi Day.”
Ariimoana, king of the ocean
Kura Happ, queen of the Rarotonga music scene
Kura later joined a group called
Indigo: “It was a really good
band, but I was also in other
groups.”
When Kura’s mum and dad
retired they returned to
Rarotonga; Kura moved back
and forward until eventually
settling back in her homeland
when she was 23.
“I learned to play the guitar in
Raro by watching and listening
to local musicians.”
I Love it! If I could
live down there, I’d
leave this place and
go live in the ocean
forever.
For the past fifteen years
Kura Happ has become well
known locally as an individual
performer around the music
scene presenting her own
distinctive style. She has also
performed internationally.
Kura is also half of one of
Rarotonga’s most popular
and accomplished acoustic
percussion duos known as
Trigger Fish, with Maurice
Newport (Mo). They perform
a mix of soul, reggae and jazz
in both small and large venues,
including heading off to Tahiti
often to play at the Hinano
Live concert. “I love Tahiti!”.
Kura is on guitar and vocals,
and Mo on the Cajón (a box
shaped percussion instrument
originally from Peru): “It’s
really cool!”
"I love the music scene in
Rarotonga. The only thing is
(Photographer: Alisha Street)
(Photographer: Jaiah Arai)
all the good concerts and my
favourite musicians I love to
listen to, are often on the same
nights as me."
Recently Kura has expanded
her horizons starting a unique
‘eco’ venture called Ariimoana
(King of the Ocean).
"I’m an outdoor nature 'waterbaby',
big kid at heart! I love
being in the ocean: snorkeling,
spear fishing, scuba diving,
free diving and reef walking. I
love to scuba dive but I prefer
to free dive with friends."
I Love it! If i could live down
there, I’d leave this place and
go live in the ocean forever.
Working for Captain Tama’s
Lagoon Cruizes at one stage
as ‘Captain Happy’ exposed
Kura to visitors, contributing
to her confidence speaking as a
tour guide, and supporting her
believe that she could create a
business focussing on her love
of the ocean. “Also, working
with Ariki Adventures, I learnt
so much there, which gave me
the confidence and courage
to start my Ariimoana reef
walkabouts.”
In 2019, Kura began
Ariimoana walkabouts.
The Ariimoana reef walks
are designed to explore the
lagoon’s marine life close up.
The walkabouts last around
three hours during low tides.
“We go on the reef at low tide,
which is the best and safest
time to go. We find sea life
including moray eels, starfish,
sea urchins, octopus, reef fish,
and sea cucumbers, and talk
about their roles in the ocean
world. I tell stories about how
the locals use to live fishing
the reefs. All those stories my
grandparents would share with
me. I was raised on the beach.”
For more information about
Ariimoana reef walks call 70
070. Facebook - Ariimoana;
Instagram - ariimoana_
walkabouts.
Kura Happ is the real deal!
Amazing entertainer and now
‘eco’ tour guide. It’s going to
be difficult not to come across
Kura if you love the best things
Rarotonga has to offer – local
live music and the pristine
lagoons!
PA'S
TREKS
Across Island Trek with Bruce
• About 3.5 hours
• Reasonable fitness needed
(not suited for those with heart, ankle,
knee or hip problems)
• Transport & light lunch provided
• Monday to Friday - weather
permitting
Medicinal Nature Walk with Pa
• A gentle walk through the noni
plantation and taro fields to
the mountain. Enter pristine
rainforest, visit the sacred Marae.
• Hear stories of Pa’s ancestors and
learn about local herbal remedies.
• Tuesday & Thursday
Eco tourism
at it’s best!
THE TRUE STORY OF
PA & THE DOLPHINS
Written and
illustrated by his
wife Jillian Sobieska,
this story will delight
and inspire children
everywhere.
Available from Bounty
Bookshop or directly
from Pa and Jillian
Bookings 21079 or email pastreks@gmail.com | www.pastreks.com

26 ISLAND LIFE CoOK ISLANDS SuN
The custard squares
are Deli Licious!
MOST CAFÉS IN
RAROTONGA HAVE
SOME CLAIM TO
MAKING THE BEST
COFFEE, OTHERS CLAIM
TO MAKE THE BEST
CUSTARD SQUARES,
BUT JUST ONE CAN
CLAIM TO BE THE MOST
DELI LICIOUS CAFÉ ON
THE ISLAND!
Muri’s cool looking
Deli-Licious
Café is located
on the village’s main road,
conspicuous for it’s shady
outdoor seating and umbrellas.
Open Sunday to Friday 8am-
3pm for breakfast, brunch and
lunch, owner-manager Kris
Higgins said Sunday is their
busiest day.
As with many expat business
owners, Kris and husband Neil
came to Rarotonga on holiday
and dreamt of making a living
on the island one day.
“The place reminded me of the
Whangaparaoa Peninsula on
the outskirts of of Auckland.
Kris and Neil came
to Rarotonga on
holiday and dreamt
of making a living on
the island one day
The Deli-Licious Café at Muri
Kris Higgins with a Deli Lious custard square
The hibiscus, the sun, the
beaches; just reminded me of
that!
“In New Zealand I worked in
corporate finance: I worked
in banking then went into
investments, but I just didn’t
feel I had any quality of life.”
Neil, who worked for the
Department of Corrections
as a Corrections Officer, felt
the same way, so they started
looking and soon found Deli-
Licious Café online, and it was
for sale.
“We bought Deli Licous as it
was; we saw it on Trade Me
about four years ago. We are
now in our fifth year,” said
Kris.
“We revamped the menu a
little bit, but didn’t make
huge changes as the café was
running so well”.
Focusing on quality coffee,
cakes and light meals, Deli-
Licious Café is not only
vegetarian and vegan friendly;
it is also dog friendly!
“We have a real love of
animals. So visitors to the café
must love dogs, because they
are always around. They just
hang about being friendly. We
feed them around the back!”
But getting back to custard
squares, Kris is very proud of
the Deli Licous variety.
“We have the best custard
square on the island because
ours are made with eggs, milk
and all things natural!”
When asked if their custard
squares are fattening, Kris
replied lightheartedly: “When
you are on holiday, nothing is
fattening!”
Kris concluded: “We didn’t
come to Rarotonga to make
millions, we came here for
quality of life. We enjoy what
we do. We love working with
the girls in the café; they are
awesome – and local!”
Polynesian Rentals expand
100% locally owned
Polynesian Rental
Cars & Bikes is now
positioned at seven locations
around Rarotonga, plus
Rarotonga Airport. In 2019,
Polynesian added its seventh
location, which is situated on
the main road at Titikaveka,
next to Royale Takitumu.
The others locations include:
two in Avarua, Muri Beach,
Aroa Beach, Club Raro and
Edgewater Resort.
New location at Titikaveka
Peter Heays and Carey Winterflood, partners in Cook Islands Real Estate Ltd.
Get advise from the experts!
COOK ISLANDS REAL ESTATE LTD PARTNERS
CAREY WINTERFLOOD AND PETER HEAYS HAVE
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SELLING AND LISTING
PROPERTIES AND BUSINESSES IN RAROTONGA
AND AITUTAKI, PREDOMINANTLY RELATED TO
THE COOK ISLANDS TOURISM SECTOR AND
TRAVEL INDUSTRY.
We asked them what
their advice was for
people interested in
buying a business in the Cook
Islands: Is it easy or difficult?
“It's certainly not difficult,
but it is a process that has
to get approval from the
BTIB, the Business Trade
Investment Board,” said
Carey.
“You need to get past the
BTIB criteria to buy a
business, which includes
health checks, police checks
from back home, and a small
business plan. Providing the
criteria is met, you'll find that
you're most welcome, and
work and residency permits
are renewed easily.”
So why choose the Cook
Islands for a lifestyle change,
and not another South Pacific
island?
“The Cook Islands is actually
quite a sophisticated island
nation, so we have ‘the
niceties’ to conduct business.
We also have the ease of
travel to and from Australia
and New Zealand, where
most of our buyers come
from. English is widely
spoken here, and the laws are
similar to Australia and New
Zealand, but particularly
New Zealand. So it’s fairly
easy to do business here,” said
Carey.
Peter added: “We also have a
stable government, we have
laws that are recognisable,
and policies that are not
continually changing. It's
consistent, and there is
confidence in the future
of the country. That's our
biggest advantage over other
Pacific island nations.”
According to Cook Islands
Real Estate, people are
primarily looking for lifestyle
businesses mostly in tourism:
hotels, motels, bed and
breakfast type properties,
cafés, restaurants, and tourist
attractions.
Cook Islands is
actually quite a
sophisticated island
nation, so we have
‘the niceties’ to
conduct business.
“One of the factors to be
taken into consideration when
buying a lifestyle property
in the Cook Islands is that
property cannot be bought
freehold, only leased, albeit
long term leases lasting
decades. And, it certainly
makes the unaffordable, more
attainable, said Carey.
“The entry level for
accommodation property
is dramatically different
in Australia and New
Zealand. Here, a million
dollars could buy you a small
accommodation property
close to the water front; back
in Australia or New Zealand
it would be three, four, maybe
five times that amount.”
According to Peter and Carey
most of their enquiries for
lifestyle businesses come
from their website www.
cookislands-realestate.
com. “Our website has a
monumental click-on rate,”
said Carey.
“But we also get calls from
visitors here on holiday.
They’ve fallen in love with
the place, seen how easy it
appears to be to do business
here, and that's the clincher!
They're about to go back
to a 9-5 grind, and think:
maybe we could settle
here in the Cook Islands.
Others get back home, get
onto our website and start a
conversation by email.”
Cook Islands Real Estate
handle hundreds of ‘lifestyle’
enquiries each year.
Peter said: “We pride
ourselves in personally
guiding people through
the entire process from the
inspection, through the
BTIB process, immigration,
the banks, the loans, right
through to the day they take
over, and even beyond!”
“We both first came here
individually years ago as
tourists, and we know what
it's like to be a purchaser,”
said Carey. “Not just that,
we’ve brought our children
up here, so we know about
schooling, sports and
recreation and so on. We’ve
collectively got years of those
sorts of experiences to share”.
The Cook Islands Real Estate
office is next to Cook Islands
News on the main road just
out of Avarua, but mostly
Peter and Carey are with
clients and vendors.
“The best way to contact us is
by mobile telephone 24/7 or
by email,” said Carey. “We’ll
come to you, or meet you for
a coffee!”
With over 30 years experience serving the Cook Islands and investors.
Full and complete knowledge of local land laws, rules and Government regulations.
We are with you right from the from start and all the way to settlement.
Local company, sensitive and discreet —buying and selling—Your No.1 choice.
CAREY WINTERFLOOD +(682) 55678 PETER HEAYS +(682) 55289
www.cookislands-realestate.com info@cookislands-realestate.com

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ISLAND LIFE
27
Cook Islands, the perfect sea change
It’s not a dream. Lifestyle is real!
FIFTEEN ISLANDS
SPREAD OVER 2
MILLION SQ.KM MAKE
UP ONE THE MOST
EXCEPTIONAL AND
ACCESSIBLE COUNTRIES
IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC,
THE COOK ISLANDS.
Exceptional because of
its engaging Polynesian
culture and pristine
environment, accessible
because there are direct flights
from New Zealand, Australia,
French Polynesia and the
United States, and English is
widely spoken.
The most visited islands are
the main holiday island of
Rarotonga and its close by
neighbour, Aitutaki, which has
what many consider the most
beautiful lagoon in the world.
And, it is possible to live
and work in these islands
subject to the approval of
the BTIB (Business Trade
and Investment Board), who
provide information on what
is required to start a business,
or for those looking to invest
in an existing business, in
the Cook Islands. They also
manage the approval process.
The BTIB is a government
funded agency that is
responsible for the promotion
of trade, investment and
business in the Cook Islands,
Teariki Vakalalabure BTIB’s chief executive officer
the promotion and monitoring
of foreign investments, and to
encourage the participation
of Cook Islanders in trade
investment and business.
Heading up the BTIB is the
affable chief executive officer
Teariki Vakalalabure.
According to Teariki there
is a clear need for foreign
direct investment to continue
in specific areas including
tourism, agriculture, transport,
and marine resources.
“At the moment, tourism
seems to take the bulk of our
investment. But the need
increases for foreign direct
investment to be happening in
other sectors too,” said Teariki.
“But, we do understand our
reliance on tourism, and it's
importance to the economy.”
Teariki said that BTIB develop
its criteria around Cook
Islands foreign investment
policy constantly aware of what
other countries are doing in
the region.
“We don't follow any specific
FOR SALE*
A selection of businesses currently for sale in the Cook Islands
BUSINESS LOCATION PRICE CONTACT
Aitutaki Escape Aitutaki POA Cook Islands Real Estate
Blue Water Tours Rarotonga $250,000 Jeff Tikitau Real Estate
Commercial building & home Atiu $260,000 Cook Islands Real Estate
Cook Islands Sun Publications Rarotonga POA cookislands.sun@enjoycookislands.com
Coral Sands Apartments Rarotonga $1,385,000 Cook Islands Real Estate
Iconic Gourmet Bakery & Café Rarotonga POA Jeff Tikitau Real Estate
Jasons Maps & Guidebooks Rarotonga $1,850,000 Jeff Tikitau Real Estate
Muri Garden Lodge Rarotonga $1,040,000 Cook Islands Real Estate
The Dive Centre (The Big Fish) Rarotonga POA info@thedivecentre-rarotonga.com
Vaima on the Beach Restaurant Rarotonga POA dine@vaimarestaurant.com
* The above businesses were for sale at the time of printing. Prices quoted are in NZD+VAT.
Details are sourced from real estate websites mentioned, the BTIB website, or the individual business.
model, but we rely a lot on the
practices within the countries
that supply most of our foreign
investment funds, primarily
Australia and New Zealand.
But, the Cook Islands is
foreign investment friendly!”
The BTIB office is located on
Avarua’s main road, opposite
the Punanga Nui Market,
in the same building as the
Cook Islands Chamber of
Commerce.
“We are on this stretch of
road for a reason. That is to
be as accessible as possible
to visitors, and to the public.
We'd like them to come in to
discuss opportunities.
“We want visitors to see our
sign board or see a business
opportunity and think: ‘I
could invest here.’ Visitors
don't necessarily come to the
Cook Islands for investment
purposes; they come here for
a good time and a holiday, but
they may see opportunities,
and then come to us for advice
and direction on investing in a
business.
“BTIB answer any sort of
question in relation to: Can
I invest in the Cook Islands?
said Teariki.
“We give people time with our
officers; we take them through
the process. And we provide
them them with brochures and
literature.”
Is it not by coincidence that
the Cook Islands Chamber
of Commerce share the same
building as BTIB.
“The Chamber subleases off
us, so we share in resources
in that sense. Notably, both
organisations serve the
business community. They
serve their members, and their
members are businesses on the
Island”.
Teariki said BTIB don’t have
a big promotional budget but
they are represented in some
trade shows, particularly in
Australia and New Zealand.
You don't just invest
to make money in
the Cook Islands,
you invest in your
lifestyle”
“We have also attended
trade activities in Honolulu.
When we attend these
events, usually it's a two
or three way government
agency collaborative effort to
promote local, export ready
commodities. That way we can
compete in a lot of markets.
“Last year we went to China
taking five or six different
products. A lot of it was
around crafts, hand-woven
hats, jewellery and pearls.
We promote niche products
overseas”.
Business Trade Investment Board
Cook I s l ands
But a core part of BTIB’s
mission is foreign investment
in the Cook Islands, which
is articulated on BTIB’s
comprehensive website btib.
gov.ck.
“We also dedicate a part of
our website for opportunities
to invest in the Cook
Islands. That's investment
opportunities and businesses
for sale”.
Teariki emphasised: “The tax
system is very simple. Two
kinds of tax, either income tax
or value added tax. You pay in
the Cook Islands. No death
benefits tax, capital gains
tax, all the other tax regimes
that you could experience
elsewhere. So it's very simple
tax.”
Teariki said that BTIB work
closely with Immigration for
all our investors.
“BTIB always try and make
sure that our investors get their
permits on time and regularly.
At the moment it is an annual
renewal, we are hoping that
can be extended soon to a two
or three years renewal cycle.
“We believe the Cook
Islands allows you a life
experience when you invest
here that's different from
other destinations,” concluded
Teariki
“You don't just invest to make
money in the Cook Islands,
you invest in your lifestyle”.
INVEST IN THE
COOK ISLANDS
Aitutaki Escape
Coral Sands Apartments
Business Trade Investment Board, Private Bag, Cook Islands
Telephone: (682) 24 296 Facsimile: (682) 24298
Email: btib@cookislands.gov.ck Internet: http://www.btib.gov.ck
The Dive Centre
Vaima on the Beach

28 ISLAND LIFE CoOK ISLANDS SuN
Cook Islands’ hard working
commercial traveller
THE TURAMA PACIFIC TRAVEL GROUP IS ONE
OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL INBOUND TOURISM
OPERATORS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC. WE’RE
CHATTING HERE WITH ROBERT SKEWS, THE
COMPANY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR.
Turama means
‘light and
vision.’ The
group consists of
DMCK - Destination
Management Cook
Islands; Island Hopper
Vacations; Tipani
Tours; Raro Tours;
and Weddings Cook
Islands.
It all started in 1990
through a partnership
with Air Rarotonga
and some Papa’a (a
Maori term for people
of European descent),
including Robert Skews
and Brian Baudinet.
Whilst the business
developed, management
and partnerships came
and went, including the
departure of Air Rarotonga
as a shareholder in the early
2000s. Today Robert Skews
and Brian Baudinet are dual
shareholders.
The great thing is
we don’t need to
manufacture tourism
in the Cook Islands!
We caught up with Turama’s
managing director, Robert
Skews, (aka Poppa Hopper, or
simply Papa to his staff) who
in 2013 was presented with
the prestigious Cook Islands
‘Lifetime Achievement in
Tourism Award’.
Robert’s journey to Turama in
Rarotonga really began at Air
New Zealand in Auckland as
a management cadet. During
thirteen years with the airline
he once visited Rarotonga on
a relieving position, before
being seconded to Polynesian
Robert Skews at Turama House
Airlines in Samoa for two
and half years as reservations
and sales manager. That
secondment had enduring
consequences for his personal
and professional life.
“Air New Zealand provided
a general manager, traffic
manager and sales manager to
support Polynesian Airlines
until 1978,” said Robert.
Whilst in Samoa, Robert met
Polynesian Airlines flight
attendant and his future
wife Elisapeta, known as
affectionately as Mousie.
One of her aunties named her
Mousie, as she was so small as
a baby.
“We married in Samoa in 1977
and were together over 40
years. We have five children:
Mousie had three children,
and we added another two in
New Zealand, Nathan and
Shannon, before coming to
Rarotonga. We now have ten
grandchildren and seven great
grandchildren.”
The Skews made Rarotonga
their home in 1990. Soon
they became an integral part
of the Rarotonga community,
especially Robert’s beloved
wife ‘Mama Mousie’. Sadly, in
May 2018, Mousie died after a
battle with cancer: “One of the
many enduring things
I learned from Mousie
was the value of family!"
Robert is the front man
for the Turama Pacific
Travel Group, travelling
the world to promote
Turama’s services, and
the Cook Islands.
Robert appeared
destined to live in, and
work on behalf of, the
Cook Islands.
“I was with Air New
Zealand until 1982.
I went to Papua New
Guinea with Air
Nuigini from 1982-
1986, ending up as sales
and marketing manager.
I returned to NZ to
work with Ansett 1986-
88 as airport manager
in Auckland.”
Robert then ran the Hawaiian
Airlines operation in NZ: “Air
Rarotonga chartered Hawaiian
to fly to Rarotonga, so I
then set up and managed Air
Rarotonga in NZ”.
On the road again, Copenhagen 2018
Four generations of family, 2004
But Robert actually craved to
work for himself.
“Smithy (Air Rarotonga’s
founder, Ewan Smith) needed
someone to handle inbound in
Rarotonga, so Island Hopper
Vacations was formed with
me and two staff in Brian
Baudinet’s Budget Travel Mana
Court office, in May 1990.
“We soon moved near the
airport as we kept running out
of space.”
“16 years ago we built Turama
House in Nikao.”
Robert Skews is
entrepreneurial, and for
over twenty years the Cook
Islands Tourism Corporation
benefited from his inclusion
on their board. Robert cites
Chris Wong, former CEO of
the Corporation, as one of his
greatest influencers; he also
paid tribute to the influence
of the late Dorice Reid, who
served as a fellow board
member.
“Chris was an amazing leader.
His skill was to get out there
and do the marketing! I used to
follow ‘Tourism’ around; that
is how we grew the business.
I have attended ITB Berlin
(travel trade show) 25 times."
Robert’s strategy has been
if Cook Islands Tourism is
overseas on a promotion then
Turama should be there too:
“And, it’s worked!”
In Europe and Asia for the
past five years Turama, Rosie
Holidays, and the South
Pacific Tourism Organisation
have worked in partnership
to run ‘Meet the Pacific’, an
event bringing together South
Pacific resort partners, tourism
boards, and airline partners,
with European tour operators.
One thing that distinguishes
Robert Skews from his peers
in Rarotonga and overseas is
his choice of Samoan lava-lava
(sarong) as his business and
leisurewear: “Since living on
Rarotonga I’ve worn it; it’s so
comfortable”.
We asked Robert his thoughts
on the future of Cook Islands
inbound market.
“My concern is that we lose our
uniqueness. We are ‘boutique’
- we don’t have the Sheratons
and the Hiltons, and we don’t
need them. This is our point
of difference. But, we really
are struggling on Rarotonga
with infrastructure and there
needs to be brakes put on
accommodation development.
“Also, we need to find ways to
develop the outer islands. The
great thing is we don’t need
to manufacture tourism in the
Cook Islands!”
Robert said he would like to
see better Los Angeles and
Sydney services with at least
two flights a week: “Another
option is maybe to have
Fiji Airways link Australia
through Fiji to Rarotonga;
I think that could work!
“You know, I love this industry
and the Cook Islands. We
just need to be more careful
about the bringing in plastics,
noisy bikes and cars, and jet
skis in the lagoon! Let’s keep
our pristine image; it’s our
advantage!”
Yakitori and Cuban cigars in a beach bar
eatery named after a volleyball
THERE ARE MANY SMALL RESORTS IN THE
COOK ISLANDS; NONE QUITE LIKE THE QUIRKY
CASTAWAY RESORT ON THE SUNSET COAST OF
RAROTONGA.
Bought from the bank
in 2012, the resort
has developed its
infrastructure and built its
reputation over the past
seven years through the
determination of its co-owners
Paul Ash and Michelle Oberg-
Ash.
Managing director of
Castaway Resort 2012 Ltd
is New Zealander Paul
Ash who comes from a
maverick-style business
upbringing. According to
Paul his previous vocation
was ‘a contract chief
executive troubleshooter’
working for various
banks, corporations and
organisations.
Paul met Michelle Oberg
in Christchurch during
a blind date set up by
Michelle’s sister Frances about
twenty years ago. Michelle is a
former Miss Cook Islands.
Whilst Paul was doing his thing,
Michelle was a senior executive
for 18 years at the Ministry for
the Pacific Islands Affairs in
Wellington.
Paul Ash, Castaway’s managing director
“We got married in Rarotonga
in October 2011,” said Paul
“Then I was still doing work
in Christchurch. Michelle had
moved to Raro so we made
a conscious effort to buy a
business and settle here.
“We bought Castaway in May
2012. It was completely run
down. It came with 12 rooms,
one part time cleaner and a guy
doing a bit of gardening. The
bar and restaurant were closed
down”.
Michelle took over the
accommodation side, and
Paul focussed on getting
the bar and restaurant
going. The old restaurant
was called Crusoe’s so it
occurred to Paul that a good
name for a beach bar and
eatery was Wilson’s after
Tom Hanks ‘friend’ in the
movie Castaway.
Cool style, warm service
is now the order of the
day at Wilson’s, which is
located right on the beach
next to the newly renovated
restaurant. The open sided,
elevated, undercover section of
restaurant seats seventy, whilst
sixty can be seated in the open
on the beach.
“We have live music on two or
three evenings, Friday being
the most popular with Anania
Brown.”
Wilson’s bar and the restaurant
(breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Cool style, warm
service is now the
order of the day.
are open seven days a week,
except on Sunday when the
bar opens at 6 o’clock. The
restaurant menu offers a
different theme every night
including pasta, Mexican,
curry, and seafood.
Wilson’s Bar and the new restaurant, beachside on the Sunset Coast at
Arorangi
“I enjoy the occasional cigar
but when I came here years
ago you couldn’t buy a cigar.
There’s only one type of cigar
to smoke and that’s Cuban!
I import them now for sale at
Wilson’s”.
Another innovation introduced
by Paul is Yakitori skewers:
“There is a selection of beef,
lamb, chicken, tuna, scallops,
prawn, vegetarian and cherry
tomatoes, all marinated in our
secret Yakitori sauce!”
With the food and beverage
fairly well looking after itself,
it was time to seek out new
investors to help renovate and
extend the accommodation
from twelve units to eighteen.
“All existing rooms are now
being upgraded and additional
units being built. All 18 will
be fully self contained and air
conditioned.”
Today Castaway Resort is
a successful local business
to be enjoyed by all, with a
harmonious and cooperative
relationship between its
accommodation, food and
beverage.

CoOK ISLANDS SuN
ATUTAKI
29
Voyager, sail forth,
to seek and find
GENERAL MANAGER OF TAMANU BEACH IN
AITUTAKI, NICK HENRY, HAS ACCOMPLISHED
SOMETHING MOST OF US ONLY DREAM ABOUT, AND
THAT IS CAPTAINING A POLYNESIAN VAKA FOR
TWO YEARS AROUND THE PACIFIC OCEAN ON A
MISSION TO SAVE THE OCEANS, AND GETTING PAID
FOR IT!
Grandson of the Cook
Islands’ first premier,
Albert Royle Henry,
Nick could not be more proud
of his family and his family’s
history.
Built on family land, Tamanu
Beach has been in existence for
eighteen years. Nick said the
resort was his father Hugh’s
vision: “Dad always wanted a
beachfront resort. He made a
sketch of it years ago, which we
still have,” said Nick.
Nick’s father sadly
died a few years before
the definitive Tamanu
Beach opened in 2006,
but two of Nick’s older
brothers Michael
(from the original Are
Tamanu 2000) and
Stuart (who developed
the neighbouring Manea
Resort 2004) partnered
up choosing to name the
amalgamated property
Tamanu Beach in honour
of their father.
“As the youngest
brother, it’s now my
turn to contribute
to the operation and
development of our family
resort,” said Nick, who arrived
at the Aitutaki resort in 2015
with wife Diane and newly
born son Harry.
“This year we have had
another son Arapati, named
after his great-grandfather
Albert Royle Henry.”
Nick said the family name
Henry originated from
Reverend Henry Royle: ‘He
was in Aitutaki preaching
the gospel with the London
Missionary Society in the mid-
1800s. Our ancestor Tetaura
Raru sought permission from
the Reverend to "borrow" his
name and then placed the
name "Henry" on his Son”.
The name Henry ended up
later in the century being
used as a surname: “So by the
time my grandfather was born
on 1907, he was Christened
Albert Royle Henry. My
full name is Nicholas Royle
Henry!”
“Grandpa died when I was
12 in 1981, so we knew our
grandparents well. He insisted
on having his children and
grandchildren around him
every week”.
Albert Henry spent many
years in New Zealand before
Island Night dancers performing beachside
returning to the Cook Islands
in the mid 1960s. “He wanted
to help change the way the
Cook Islanders were living. As
independence was in the air, he
got into politics,” said Nick.
Albert son, and Nick’s father,
Hugh was brought up in New
Zealand, as was Nick’s mother
Helen. Nick said that Albert
Henry had told Hugh in the
late 1960s: “It's time to come
home”.
Nick Henry and son Harry at Tamanu’s island night
Hugh returned in 1969 with
his wife and boys: Michael,
Paul, Stuart, and Nick. Sister
Katherine was born in 1972:
“Dad became Secretary of
Public Works working in the
Government.”
After a stint at uni in
Auckland, Nick returned
to Rarotonga to work for
the Cook Islands Tourism
Corporation in sales and
marketing. By1996 Nick was
with Edgewater Resort’s sister
property Club Raro as general
manager. Soon he left Club
Raro to help set up the Bond
Liquor Store.
After seven years with Bond,
Nick left and created a video
production company, The
Digital Factory, with two
partners making commercials,
documentaries and videos on
sporting and cultural events:
“I also helped start 88 FM in
Rarotonga around that time”.
With his video experience
Nick became involved with
the Cook Islands Voyaging
Society, through its president,
Ian Karika.
“In 2008, I was at Trader
Jack's having a drink with
Ian and I asked him if I could
go on the vaka and make a
documentary during their
forthcoming trip to American
Samoa.
“He told me they had no room
for a cameraman on the vaka,
but had room for a crew!
“This was a voyage to the
South Pacific Festival of Arts
in American Samoa. There
were sixteen crewmembers,
and after lots of preparation
we sailed off encountering
some massive storms, which
damaged our sails, so we
limped into Pago Pago seven
days later. We were the heroes
of the South Pacific Festival of
Arts - these unshaven warriors,
the only Pacific Islanders to
come by sea. Everybody had
flown in!”
“It was an unforgettable
arrival with a big crowd
at the harbor, and the
Governor there to greet
us. I remember hearing
the Cook Islands drums;
just an incredible feeling!”
Even though Nick
wasn’t supposed to shoot
video: “I became a crew
with a camera. I made
a documentary called
‘Seven Days to Pago
Pago,’ which aired on
Cook Islands Television,
and we showed it at the
Festival of Arts. I edited
it there on my laptop!”
Nick became an active
member of the Cook
Islands Voyaging Society,
ultimately as a captain: “I went
to New Zealand to get the
qualifications. So that really
was my next career move - to
move from the media into
this ‘cultural revival’. Then I
just sailed for two years. I got
paid as a captain of one of the
vakas by an organisation called
Okeanos (Foundation of the
Sea).”
…when Aitutaki
people are ready
to develop more
tourism, then that’s
when it should
happen
In 2010, Okeanos began
working with voyaging
societies across the Pacific to
develop and build a fleet of
seven traditionally designed,
fossil fuel free double masted
Vaka Moanas, representing 26
island nations.
Nick was involved in the
famous voyage Te Mana O
Te Moana (The Spirit of
the Ocean), which began in
April 2011 and launched a
renaissance in traditional vaka
culture, ocean stewardship
and engagement. Over the
course of two years, hundreds
of sailors navigated from
Aotearoa to Hawai’i to the US
with a historic arrival at San
Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
and back, making stops at 15
Pacific nations along the way.
After the voyage, Dieter
Paulmann of Okeanos gifted
four Vaka Moana from the Te
Mana O Te Moana fleet to
Tamanu bungalows facing the lagoon
Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and Cook
Islands.
The voyage demonstrated
the genius of Pacific vaka
design and the power of the
almost lost culture of celestial
navigation.
Nick then headed off to Tahiti
for a couple of years. On his
return, he was asked by the
Prime Minister, Henry Puna
to chair the 50th Anniversary
Ph. [682] 31 810 Fax. [682] 31 816
reservations@tamanubeach.com
AITUTAKI • COOK ISLANDS
www.tamanubeach.com
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@popoara.co.ck www.popoaraoceanbreeze.com
boatshed@popoara.co.ck
of Independence Committee,
which took place in July and
August 2014. In 2015, Nick
headed off to Aitutaki to take
over the family business as
general manager of Tamanu
Beach.
Tamanu Beach is a friendly,
adults-only (12+), airconditioned,
roomy bungalowstyle
resort overlooking
the beach, lagoon, ocean,
or tropical gardens on the
sunset side of Aitutaki. With
23 bungalows and all the
amenities anyone needs for a
tropical holiday, including a
spa and massage, a beachfront
restaurant and bar, and two
fresh water pools, Nick
describes the resort as ‘Casual
Luxury.’
After five years Nick believes
in ‘Aitutaki for Aitutaki’,
meaning that when Aitutaki
people are ready to develop
more tourism, then that’s when
it should happen. Not before!
“My sentiment is I want
Cook Islanders to own Cook
Island tourism. I think that
Aitutakians should decide
what they want. Right
now, there is not enough
Aitutakians on this island to
grow the industry. So until
they come home, or until the
Aitutakians here are equipped
and ready to take tourism to
another level, only then am I
happy for us to go to that next
level”.

30 AITUTAKI
CoOK ISLANDS SuN
YES, we do it all. Let my husband
and I take you out on one
of our Personalised
Charters.
A great day out!
BLACK PEARL
All Charters include, transfers,
breakfast or lunch, hot and
cold drinks, towels, snorkelling
equipment, etc.
Certificate of Excellence
www.blackpearlaitutaki.com
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.
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
52 125 mobile
Email: blackpearlaitutaki@outlook.com
tekotia@aitutaki.net.ck
Blue Lagoon Restaurant & Bar
+682 31 852
reservations@aitutakivillage.com
www.aitutakivillage.com
ATIU
ATIU, A WORLD APART
Atiu is only 187
kilometres from
Rarotonga, yet it
is a world apart! With a
population of around 400,
this rugged island is one of
the eco centres of the Cook
Islands attracting bird lovers
and the more adventurous
traveller.
Only a forty-five minute flight
from Rarotonga, a two or
three-day visit to Atiu opens
up a tranquil, charming, an
unforgettable no frills Cook
Islands’ eco-travel experience.
See Jetsave Travel in Avarua or
Air Rarotonga at Rarotonga
Airport for accommodation
and flight options.
Here are just a few of the
attractions of Atiu.
1
Photo captions:
1. Taungaroro Beach. Enjoy your
own secluded beach.
2. ‘Land of the birds.’ Take a tour
with Birdman George.
3. Anatakitaki Cave. Inhabited by
the Atiu swiftlet (aka kopeka).
4. Cook Islands Christian Church.
Visit Atiu’s first church building.
2
3 4
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 ISLANDS SuN
LOCAL HISTORY
31
Rare investiture of an ariki (chief) on Rarotonga
By Jean T. Mason, curator, Museum Cook Islands at Taputapuatea (Library & Museum Society Inc).
There are six ariki (chief) titles on Rarotonga but three of
them have a similar source: Makea Nui, Makea Karika and
Makea Vakatini. They are said to have all arisen from the chief
Karika for it is from this man that the Ngati-Makea (ngati:
clan/tribe) are descended.
Karika is said to have
arrived from Manuka
(reputedly in Samoa)
and together with another
great ancestor figure, Tangiia
Nui (from Tahiti), battled
the original inhabitants of
Rarotonga to gain supremacy.
As is the case in many parts of
the world the titles obtained by
succession have a long history
mixed in with a healthy dose of
myth and legend.
Although ariki power has
declined significantly over the
past century the investiture of
the new ariki entails special
traditional ceremonies and
the investiture of the Makea
Karika Ariki title carried out
on 12 December 2018, called
akauruuruanga, was completed
with suitable aplomb fitting
for the position. For whatever
power may have been lost,
much respect and pride
remains.
When the previous holder
of the title, Dame Makea
Margaret Karika Ariki was
invested in 1949 following the
death of her father, the WWI
hero, Pa George Karika, the
investiture was modest, and
occurred in a church, possibly
reflective of the austerity of
the post-war period and the
sadness that her father died
from wounds inflicted in the
Great War. The much admired
war hero had only held the
title for 7 years. Dame Makea
Margaret Karika Ariki died on
12 December, 2017 at the age
of 98 having held the title for
68 years.
George Taripo, tama ariki,
the son of the late titleholder,
succeeded his mother in
the emotional investiture
ceremony, which took
place one year to the day
following his mother’s death.
Preparations for the investiture
began almost immediately
after the death of Dame
Makea Margaret Karika Ariki.
At her funeral service the pare
(crown) and tokotoko (spear/
staff) were handed to her son
George in the church. As
was always the custom pigs
were raised and root crops
planted. In addition much
of the food for the feast that
followed the investiture was
donated by community and
family members. The food
A tusked boar was set before the new chief
Makea George Karika Ariki (right)
was prepared and cooked on
site at the paepae, Ngarurutu,
(official residence of the ariki)
in a giant umu (ground oven).
The investiture began with
the arrival of the tama ariki by
sea on a vaka taurua (double
hulled canoe) paddled by a 12
member mixed crew. People
filled every vantage point at
Avarua wharf, traditionally
known as Tuituikamoana.
George Taripo was carried
ashore and placed on his feet
as the main chanter welcomed
him with a turou (formal
welcome chant). The tama
ariki and his crew then passed
through the smoke of the two
A spectacle many
may not see again
was over within a
couple hours.
large bonfires, in the rarely
seen custom of ‘patai’ or ‘kiriti
ma’u tai’, an old custom used to
‘cleanse’ voyagers and ‘remove
the dampness of the sea’. The
smoke is said to wipe away
any bad spirits that may have
travelled with the voyagers.
The crowd of about 700 then
followed the soon- to-beariki
with his entourage as he
walked to his paepae, for the
formal part of the ceremony
with local cultural expert,
Vaitoti Tupa, in the lead,
beating a lone pate (log drum)
to signify the solemnity of
the occasion. Makea Karika’s
va’a tuatua (spokesman)
Anautoa Rangatira (Teariki
Rauru) welcomed them with
a traditional chant at the gate.
Immediately the tama ariki
was given a nu (green coconut)
to drink (in former times
it would have been poi – a
coconut cream based drink of
pounded fruit or cooked root
vegetable).
The tama ariki and his
entourage were resplendent in
their traditional ceremonial
regalia of red or green rau ti
leaves (cordyline), headdresses
and tatua (sashes) and tiputa
(overshirts) of tapa (barkcloth)
and rauara (pandanus leaves) as
they sat in front of the paepae.
The youthful dancers of
Nukutere College entertained
in green rauti. The dancing
over, one by one rangatira
and mataiapo (sub-chiefs)
of the Ngati-Karika clan
handed to the tama ariki the
symbols of his office: first, a
white tapa (barkcloth) tiputa
(overshirt), was presented,
followed by a marokura, the
sacred girdle (in past times
would have been woven with
kura feathers, breast feathers
of the Vini kuhlii, now extinct
on Rarotonga); then his rei
(sacred talisman necklace,
signifying his warrior status); a
tokotoko (staff/spear) a symbol
of his promise to protect his
tribe; followed by a large fan, a
symbol of the peace by which
it is hoped he will rule his
subjects. Lastly, a parekura
(crown) was placed on his
head. Kura feathers in the
crown and girdle signify high
status, the red colour standing
for mana/power and nobility.
Paniania Taunga (George
Paniani) chanted more than 10
different karakia (traditional
special chants) some of which
comprised a warning to the
new chief on how he should
conduct himself; to care for his
people, that he should conduct
himself always with honour and
wisdom; then his genealogy and
the history of the Karika title
were also recited.
A large partially roasted tusked
boar (puaka tuika’a; nio piki)
was set before the new chief
– from which he was to take
The arrival of the tama ariki by sea
a bite from its ear, a ritual
vital for the completion of
the investiture. The men who
held the carcass aloft had to
make sure no one would try
to get in between them and
try to bite the ear for custom
says an usurper could become
chief by biting the ear before
the intended candidate gets
to bite it. The women folk
surrounded the men to further
offer protection of the puaka
tuika’a. Biting, chewing
and swallowing the pig’s ear
symbolises the completion of
the investiture ceremony and
the promise the chief will listen
to the pleas of his people; that
thereafter he will rule them
fairly, justly and peacefully.
There’s a whole lot of history going
on at Museum Cook Islands (MCI):
• a plethora of ancient gods, canoes,
stone adzes, wooden spears;
• Cook Islands and Pacific art;
• textile crafts;
• a multitude of pictures and
photographs;
• 40,000 books.
Check us out at
http://cook-islands-library-museum.org
Communicate with us at
phone: 26468
email: library@cookislandsmuseum.com
When all ceremonial rites were
over, the new Karika Ariki
George Taripo spoke. He
promised to always listen and
support his tribespeople as well
as to try to rule with peace and
understanding.
Unusually the new Ariki
did not follow the custom of
being carried aloft on a pa’ata
(litter) at the completion of
the ceremony as by his own
choice he wanted to signify
his closeness to his people
and his humility by keeping
his feet on the ground. The
local Cook Islands Christian
Church minister offered words
of support and blessed the
occasion as well as wishing the
chief a long and peaceful reign.
As is the custom for this title,
the 100 or so invited guests
enjoyed a sit down feast inside
while the public were given
raurau kikau (platters of woven
coconut leaf) of food to take
home (or eat on site if they so
desired).
The whole ceremony was
conducted expeditiously but
respectfully. A spectacle many
may not see again was over
within a couple hours. But
the memories of it for those of
us who bore witness to it will
endure in our hearts for the
rest of our lives.
Acknowledgments: Makiuti
Tongia and Helen Tatuava.
Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-1pm; Tues, 4pm-7pm
Located on Makea Tinirau Rd, opposite University of the South Pacific, Avarua
Postal: PO Box 71, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
MCI preserving our nation’s heritage
since 1964.
Avarua
Harbour
Trader Jacks
Bar & Grill
Taputapuatea Rd
Beachcomber
Gallery
We are here
Makea Tinirau Rd
CICC Church
USP Cook
Islands Centre
Ara Tapu
Constitution Ave
National
Auditorium

32 COMMUNITY CoOK ISLANDS SuN
What Mana Tiaki means to
the Cook Islands and to you!
“TIAKI MEANS KEEPER OR GUARDIAN AND MANA
TRANSLATES AS INFLUENCE OR POWER. IT
MEANS GUARDIANSHIP WITH SACRED PURPOSE,
TO PRESERVE IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
THE KEEPER HAS THE POWER OR ABILITY TO
KEEP OUR CULTURE AND HERITAGE ALIVE. MANA
TIAKI ALSO REFERS TO OUR RESPONSIBILITY
AS GUARDIANS OF THESE ISLANDS AND
ENVIRONMENT”.
(Source: www.kiaorana.cookislands.travel)
During 2019 the Cook
Islands, as a nation,
moved further
towards protecting its ‘Little
Paradise’ with the launch and
introduction of Mana Tiaki
Eco Certification designed
for businesses, particularly
tourism-related, to contribute
to a sustainable future for the
Cook Islands.
Attending the
official launch
of Mana Tiaki
Eco Certification
(MTEC) at the
Discover Marine
& Wildlife Eco
Centre in Arorangi
was Prof. Simon
Milne of Auckland University
of Technology, whose
highly regarded ongoing
Cook Islands Visitor Survey
provided background on why
this certification scheme is
important to the sustainability
of the islands.
“The Cook Islands
International Visitor Survey
highlights the number one
reason for visitor interest
in the Cook Islands as our
pristine natural environment.
With increased numbers of
visitors, comes a strain on our
biodiversity, infrastructure
and local communities. It
Mana Tiaki Week
The Mana Tiaki Eco-Certification
launch and Green Expo at the
Discover Marine & Wildlife Eco Centre
in Arorangi, coincided with the annual
Mana Tiaki Week in Maire Nui Park in
Avarua, where Cook Islands Tourism ‘Kia
Orana Ambassador’ legends Aunty Nane
Papa and Aunty Lydia Nga presided.
Nane and Lydia are great friends who
have known each other from school days
at Titikaveka College; one year apart in
age, Lydia admits to being the eldest.
They have worked together for over ten
years at Cook Islands Tourism; now
both are the most recognised public faces
is vital that these issues are
carefully managed and that
responsibility lies within our
communities, government,
and our private sector,” said
Prof. Milne.
Also in attendance was
Kelvin Passfield, the technical
director of the eco-active
NGO environmental
organisation,
Te Ipukarea
Society, who run
the certification
program: “Mana
Tiaki Eco
Certification comes
as the country
notches up record
numbers of visitors,
but there is a genuine desire to
curb the impact visitors have
on the natural environment”.
For some time now, the
original Mana Tiaki program
has enabled visitors to engage
with local conservation efforts
by supporting the work of Te
Ipukarea Society financially.
Donations to the Mana
Tiaki program are primarily
made through Mana Tiaki
collection boxes at various
tourism outlets, including
accommodation, attractions,
and food and beverage outlets.
Monies collected go to various
Te Ipukarea Society projects.
of Tourism, not
only as Kia Orana
Ambassadors,
but also featuring
together in Cook
Islands Tourism
promotional
videos, print ads,
posters, and TV
commercials.
However, the MTEC moves
an important step closer to
supporting the Te Ipukarea
Society mission to “Protect a
Little Paradise”.
The steady growth of tourism
in the Cook Islands has
made the protection of the
country’s natural environment
more critical to the long-term
sustainability of the tourism
industry. And, the tourism
industry is aware of the
contribution they can make
through MTEC, whereby an
eco accredited business follows
a set of standards established to
embed biodiversity considerations
and basic conservation efforts
into its day-to-day operations.
Business operations that
achieve Mana Tiaki Eco-
Certification are rewarded
with the recognition that this
type of ‘green accreditation’
can bring, particularly the
long-term sustainability of the
tourism industry.
Mana Tiaki Eco-Certification
(aka ‘eco accreditation’ or
‘green accreditation’) is
jointly undertaken between
the National Environment
Service through the ‘Ridge to
Reef’ project, the Te Ipukarea
Society, the Cook Islands
Tourism Corporation, and
the Cook Islands Tourism
Industry Council.
Sue Fletcher-Vea, president
of the Cook Islands Tourism
Industry Council, said at
the launch: “I would like
to encourage everyone in
tourism to step up and become
certified. I can't emphasis
enough how important it is
that we in the private sector
protect the very reason our
Nane said: “As Kia
Orana Ambassadors,
we are pretty much
the ears and eyes of
Tourism out in the
community.
We visit schools, businesses
and community groups making
presentations about the Kia Orana
Values. There is three core values
of Kia Orana: Kia Orana, Meitaki
and Mana Tiaki.
“Kia Orana is both a blessing and
a wish for good fortune, and Kia
Orana communicates the essence
of our people and islands. Meitaki,
which means thank you, also refers
international visitors come to
the island.
“It is absolutely our
responsibility to ensure that
whilst enjoying the financial
benefits of tourism that we
do it in such a way that we
are protecting our beautiful
‘little paradise’ for future
generations.”
The CEO of the Cook Islands
Tourism Corporation, Halatoa
Fua, said at the launch:
“We are here today to mark
a great milestone in our
tourism industry, which is the
introduction of Mana Tiaki
Eco-Certification.
“Our natural environment,
together with culture and
traditions, are the most
important assets of any
tourism industry. This
certification is a ‘step up’
strategy to protect the essence
of our growing tourism
industry.”
Since the launch dozens of
tourism operators have already
earned their MTEC. Look for
the MTEC logo around the
Cook Islands, and support and
recognise its membership.
Aunty Lydia and Aunty Nane are not just great friends, they are the
embodiment of Kia Orana Values
Nature guru Pa Teuruaa is spiritually connected to the ecosystems of Rarotonga.
to how we are feeling if we are feeling
good. And, Mana Tiaki that refers to
our responsibility as guardians of these
islands and the environment”.
Lydia added: “We both love what we do!
We don’t count the minutes, and that
includes the ‘meet & greet’ at the airport
all hours of the day and night; and we
happily attend openings of businesses,
buildings and events representing Cook
Islands Tourism.
NOMINATE
SOMEONE FOR
AN A1 MEITAKI
AWARD
Simply complete an A1 Meitaki Award
form at any Cook Islands Tourism
Information Centre, or at Rarotonga
International Airport, and nominate
an individual or a business in
the Cook Islands for excellence
in service to a visitor.
When an A1 Award is given,
the recipient receives nothing more
than grateful acknowledgement and
a certificate.
YOUR CHANCE TO SAY
MEITAKI!
Reward excellent service in the Cook
Islands by nominating an individual or
a business for an A1 Meitaki Award.
Alana Smith shows off one of
Te Ipukarea Society’s more
recent initiatives: 800ml insulated
thermo-flask bottles, which keep
their contents hot or cold for up to
24 hours. There are five colours to
choose from: red, silver, black, blue
and gold. A great souvenir from
Rarotonga too!
Help reduce the amount of plastic
bottles entering the waste stream;
say ‘no’ to single use plastic bottles,
and refill a reusable bottles instead!
They cost around $30.00 and can
be purchased from the Te Ipukarea
Society’s office, next door to Bamboo
Jacks, on the main road at Tupapa,
near Avarua. All profits go into Te
Ipukarea Society projects.