Media Release 9 March 2012

Cook Islands Day Success at Te Papa

Despite the “weather bomb” causing gale force winds in Wellington on Saturday, the sun was shining inside Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, when Cook Islanders spread their magic for a special Cook Islands Day event.

Cook Islands Day at Te Papa featured cultural entertainment, special guest presentations and creative stall holders, drawing record crowds of 6,500 visitors in a single day.

Entertainment from Rakahanga Manihiki Band provided an uplifting atmosphere with the island drums beating away the “weather bomb” blues, along with their ukuleles, guitars and chants, captivating large audiences throughout the day.

The TAV fashion show presented by, Ellena Tavioni, was a success with Miss South Pacific of the Cook Islands, Joyana Meyer, attracting attention as she modelled the latest TAV garments alongside other Cook Islands’ beauties.

Robert Oliver, award-winning author, shared stories and excerpts from his book Me’a Kai: The Food and Flavours of the South Pacific; and George Ellis, CEO of the Cook Islands Pearl Authority revealed the secrets of the seductive black pearls.

Cook Islands Day stall holders had a successful day demonstrating, displaying, selling and sharing their rich culture through their handmade art & crafts items. Stall holders included Tarani Crafts & Pearls, Prestige Design, Mrs Q’s Artifacts, Vaka Cook Islands, TAV, Avaki Pearls and Black Pearl Collection.

Visitors planning a romantic escape received travel & wedding advice from The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa and Pacific Resort Rarotonga, both on hand to inspire and assist with holiday planning.

The day was emceed by Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp who extolled the virtues of the Cook Islands as the place of romance.

Cook Islands’ artists were also on show throughout the day as their beautiful images featured on giant plasma screens in Te Papa’s Wellington Foyer.

“Cook Islands Day at Te Papa provided a platform for Cook Islanders to highlight the romance of their islands,” says Graeme West, Cook Islands Tourism General Manager.

“Our sponsorship of the Unveiled wedding exhibition continues to prove a successful partnership, presenting Cook Islands as the perfect destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic escapes. Cook Islands Day was just a taste of what our beautiful islands have to offer.”

Unveiled exhibition, at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, features 200 Years of wedding fashion from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London until 22 April 2012.

For more information visit www.tepapa.govt.nz

ENDS

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