Celebrating our Cook Islands Women with Are Pa Metua

Punanga Tauturu Inc administrator Merita Wi-Kaitaia popped in to Are Pa Metua to catch up with the mama and staff of the elderly support group, who were celebrating International Women’s Day today. “Pledge for parity” was the theme and the mama relayed to the group what that means for them. Nga Teao-Papatua, or Aunty Nga as she is well known, explained it meant to her “umuumu’anga no te aka’aere’anga tau” or a need for guidance.

The mama had been sewing pillowcases and weaving tairiiri (or fans) during their time together and had them out for display , Merita explained to the group that weave artist Maryann Talia Pau is on the island and keen to learn about local weaving techniques. They will be meeting Maryann on Thursday 17th March, will keep you posted on that!

A little info about Are Pa Metua: Are Pa Metua Trust caters for the needs of the elderly. The Trust operates 3 days a week providing a respite care programme for the elderly from the hours of 8am to 2pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Transport is provided in a van donated by the Rotary Club of the Cook Islands. The elderly are picked up from their homes and brought to the centre on three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) to participate in social and community activities and they are provided with a meal.