Ministry of Culture celebrate another big year

Saturday 12 December 2020 | Written by Katrina Lintonbon | Published in Culture, National

Ministry of Culture secretary Anthony Turua said a workplace is only as good as its staff and theirs are exceptional.

Even though Covid-19 has been hard on everyone, Turua said the Ministry of Culture has managed to successfully hold or be part of a number of events promoting and preserving Cook Islands culture and identity.

Minister of Culture George Angene said he has asked for the ministry’s budget to be looked at so staff can be rewarded for the work they do, but the reality was that wouldn’t happen until 2022.

“They go above and beyond in all that they do and I want to thank them for their hard work,” Angene said in Maori.

“There is a culture of excellence among our staff members.”

The ministry wrapped up the year with two Christmas gatherings – one for the adults yesterday and one for kids today. Tomorrow they will attend a church service together.

“We would like to thank all our major stakeholders and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas,” Turua said.

For the first time since the National Auditorium was built, renovations are currently underway.

Turua pointed out that back when the National Auditorium was built in the early 1990s, the current Minister of Culture was one of the builders who worked on site.

At present the roof is being replaced and the inside of the building is being refurbished.

The work is on track to be completed by March 2021.

“Our hope is that it lasts for another 30 years,” Turua said.