25 Jun 2008

New Zealand links with Vaka Takitumu to be celebrated in November festival

3:02 pm on 25 June 2008

The connections between the Maori iwi Ngati Kahununu in New Zealand's central north island and the people of the Cook Islands will be celebrated at a Takitumu festival later this year.

The event was officially launched by the Minister for Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard in Wellington on Monday night.

The relationship between the two sides goes back to 1300 AD when the the Tamatea Arikinui Vaka left Rarotonga.

Takitumu Paramount chief, Tepaeru Pa Ariki, who was at the launch says the festival brings back memories.

"PLAY AUDIO:COOKS CONNECT"

1935 my great grandfather Tinirau Makea came to New Zealand and was down with the Ngati Kahununu at the marae and in 1978 my late mother Pa Tirito was a guest of the Ngati Kahununu.

The festival's main event will be held in Hastings in November and will bring together Maori tribes that have a connection with the Takitumu Vaka.