Welcome to the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development ~ Tauranga Vananga

"The life of the people is its culture. We, the custodians of the present, have a duty to future generations of Cook Islanders to preserve now for the benefit which identifies us from other peoples and which will give them pride in their country and their heritage."

Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE

The Cook Islands National Culture Centre was built in 1992, when it hosted and celebrated the 6th Pacific Festival of the Arts. The Culture Centre is made up of six cultural divisions: Punanga Akamou Korero~National Archives, Runanga Puka~National Library, Runanga Pakau~National Museum, Tuanga Tarekereka~Performing Arts, Are Karioi Nui~National Auditorium and Tuanga Akaivikorero~Anthropology Unit.