Stitched with Love
Enjoy this lovely video posted by Te Papa Museum! “It’s my grandma, she presented me with a tivaevae and said, ‘You remember this. I sew it with my hands and all the stitches that I have done,…
From coconut to Kuki
Growing up, I was vaguely aware that there was a dual heritage in my blood, but I didn’t begin to understand how that identity might impact my life until I was 21. At that point, I made…
Fear, laughter, and culture
“These Maori men are told they need to be like their ancestors, they need to hold themselves up to a high standard, but how do they do that while still existing in today’s society? That’s the question.”…
2014 Independence Day and Language Week
Today, August 4th, marks the 49th anniversary of Cook Islands independence and the signing of the nation’s constitution. It also kicks off Cook Islands Language week in New Zealand. This year’s theme is: “Ako Marie i nga…
Cultures don’t have to vanish
“The CIA estimates the population of the Cook Islands is declining by 3 percent per year, a rate second only to war-torn Syria.” This story from the Star Tribune is about Niue, however it highlights one of…
Where in the world are the Cook Islands?
The number one question we received during PIFA weekend was: “Where in the world are the Cook Islands?” Good question! In short, the Cooks are south of Hawaii and in between Samoa and Tahiti. The plane ride…
The beginner’s guide to tivaevae terms
This week is Cook Islands Maori Language Week in New Zealand. In celebration, here are 7 Maori words or phrases relating to tivaevae. Tivaevae The name for this art form is sometimes spelled ‘tivaivai,’ and the meaning…
Cook Islands proverb
Te maata i taau ka oronga ko te maata rai ia i taau ka rauka. The more you give the more you receive. If you give a lot you will receive a lot. Do not be selfish.
