About the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development

In 1975 a Culture Division was created under the umbrella of the Department of Internal Affairs. This initiative embraced various Cook Islands cultural activities including a refinement of material and performing arts programmes. Three years later the Culture Division was closed down and merged with the Tumu Korero Division. The year 1979 saw the cessation of the Tumu Korero Division. In recognition of the need to have firmly established organisations which focused on the Cook Islands culture, a ministry was set up under the Ministry of Cultural Development Act 1990. The Maori name for the ministry was also accepted as Tauranga Vananga which reflected the focus of the ministry on traditional knowledge and the preservation, perpetuation and enhancement of the Cook Islands Cultural Heritage.

OBJECTIVES

The main function of the Ministry is the preservation, enhancement and promotion of the Cook Islands culture. Our aims and objectives are to uphold and maintain the following;

Preserve, perpetuate and enhance the Cook Islands Cultural Heritage in order to uphold tradition and develop an appreciation for this important national heritage;

Encourage the growth and expansion of productive economic, social and educational activities as may enrich cultural art forms.

Present where appropriate the varied elements of ancient and contemporary Cook Islands art and cultural forms; and

Maintain the unique cultural national identity of the people of the Cook Islands.