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| Vaiata Clarke's fabulous dress in Wellington colours! |
Kia Orana! Cook Islands culture in Wellington
I sketched at a free workshop showing people how to make an Ei Katu (flower garland) at the National Library of NZ on 4 August. With Cook Island music on Spotify and doughnuts at the ready for when we all took a break, people of all ages and backgrounds got to work....The workshop coincided with Cook Islands Language Week and a photography exhibition. The Cook Islands is an independent nation in the South Pacific with political links to NZ; Cook Islanders are NZ citizens.
Mānea | Beautiful!
Organiser Anna Tiaki from National Library tells us she has 20 different types of head garlands at home – one for every occasion!Ei Katu are made from fresh leaves and tropical flowers such as sweet-smelling frangipani and gardenia. They are worn for adornment on special occasions like birthdays and weddings, but also every day. Artist Ani O'Neil says wearing one is like "wearing the live, fresh essence of our island'. It's a celebration of culture and connection to the land.
With a little help from "our Chinese brothers and sisters"...
In NZ, garlands are generally made using artificial flowers from $2 shops, which can still look beautiful, as we found out.... 
• Start by making a a hoop with blue packing tape
• Wind some plastic duct tape around this to make it more comfortable to wear
• Make a small bunch of flowers & leaves that appeal to you, & secure to the outside of the hoop by winding plastic raffia around tightly near the flower head. Lay another bunch just below this.
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| Advice and encouragement from Teremoana Hodges (centre) |
Continue on like this. Some of the ladies made repeated colour patterns with the flowers, or you can keep it random – it's up to you. Like tivaevae (quiltmaking), garland making is a relaxing and social activity that women traditionally do together in the Islands. Chatting and singing is essential!
Auntie Teremoana taught us some Cook Islands words:
• Kia Orana | Hello
• Pe'a Koe | How are you
• Meitaki ma'ata | Thank you
• Aere Ra | Goodbye
Thanks so much for the special insight into Cook Islands culture ....to organiser Anna Tiaki and her Aunties; Teremoana Hodges and Vaiata Clarke.
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