Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna Trust, committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Cook Islands, has announced its support for the successful eight recipients, awarding a total of $78,500 in grants.

Each recipient has indicated their dedication, striving to ensure that the vibrant heritage of the country remains alive for future generations to cherish.

Trust manager Vania Kenning-Tangaroa signed the grant funding agreements with each successful recipient at a special function held on Friday last week.

The successful applicants for the grant fund include Hut 24 – Papa Ngarima George – for a publication of traditional Māori medicine; Te Papa Aliki o Te Ulu o te Watu represented by Tingika Elikana and Pio Ravarua – for documenting/preserving traditional chants and songs of Pukapuka/Nassau; CC Tamure Fitness represented by Mona Taio – revitalising culture, language and health; Vaka Takitumu schools represented by Raewyn Morgan and Maui Joseph (Apii Takitumu will purchase a drum set and Titikaveka College will replace their ka’ara school bell) and Te Vananga Are Tapere o Takitumu, represented by James Puati, for creating and building digital capacity for their organisation.

Te Kōpapa Reo Māori, also a recipient, was represented by Vae Papatua who announced that the grant would be used for Project Tuatua'ia te Reo Māori for media promotional work on television and in print media as a way to generate momentum and attention to Reo Māori language.

Tamariki Apii Kūki 'Airani (TAKA) Trust was represented by Chiavanni LeMon and Mario Caffery, the board chairman, and founder. They will use the funds to establish a Takitumu Punanga Reo.

TAKA’s vision is “helping resident Cook Islanders who are financially or socially disadvantaged and want to further or complete their education, qualifications, or trade skills. This encompasses early childhood to adult learning”.

In addition, Te Rito o Taku Peu Tupuna hosted the Cook Islands Autism Society to view their three art pieces on display at Te Rito and the CIC Ocean Research Ltd offices.

Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna, the Cook Islands Traditional Arts Trust, was established in 2020. The trust is a cultural collaboration funded by CIC Ocean Research, a Cook Islands-based seabed minerals exploration company.