TAURANGA VANANGA

The Ministry of Cultural Development was set up initially under the title of Arts and Culture as announced in the Government’s manifesto in 1989. The main business of the Ministry is the preservation, enhancement and perpetuation of the Cook Islands culture. In 1975, a Cultural Division was created under the umbrella of the division of Internal Affairs. Three years later, the cultural division was closed down and merged with the Tumu Korero Division. The year 1979 saw the closure of the Tumu Korero Division. In recognition of the importance of Culture, Government restructured the Culture entity and elevated it to the status of a Ministry unto itself. In 1992, the Ministry of Cultural Development was further restructured and re-established in its new and current home at Te Puna Korero, the National Cultural Centre, which was purpose built to host the 1992 Pacific Arts Festival.

Referred to as Te Tauranga Vananga, The Ministry of Cultural Development is now home to Te Runanga Pakau (the National Museum), Te Runanga Puka e te Kimi Marama (the National Library and Research Center) and Te Are Karioi Nui ( the National Auditorium and Domes).

Te Puna Korero also serves as home to the Cook Islands Music Association (CIMA), the Cook Islands National Arts Theater (CINAT), the Cook Islands Voyaging Society (CIVS) and Te Aito Games ( Cook Islands Traditional Sports Association)