Avana Nui Project
Vaka Migration Commemoration Project
Ko Avana, ko te ara o te vaka — Avana is the path of the canoe.
Avana is the passage from which the seven great vaka departed on the ancestral voyage across Te Moana Nui a Kiva, carrying language, custom, genealogy and memory to Aotearoa. This project honours that story by restoring and enhancing a living cultural site for our community, descendants, and future generations.
About the Avana Nui Project
On 25 June 2026, we completed the upgrade and beautification of Avana Nui Maruarua in Ngatangiia — as the first site in the Taki Tua Peu Māori Cultural Storytelling Programme. To read more about our stories for this historical area, visit Avana Nui Maruarua.
This project has been developed in close partnership with the Kaireva Pt 6J3B2B landowners and the wider Ngatangiia community. Following extensive consultation between March 2025 and May 2026, a formal agreement was signed at the Avana Meeting House on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
About Taki Tua Peu Māori
Taki Tua Peu Māori is the Cook Islands National Cultural Storytelling Network, led by community and facilitated by Te Mato Manava Turoto - Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. It captures and shares the traditional, historical and cultural narratives of our islands through bilingual physical installations and evolving digital experiences — preserving our oral histories and sharing them for future generations.
Avana is the flagship and first of five sites. Each site in the programme follows the same commitment: community-led stories, bilingual presentation, and a living relationship with the land and its people.
The storytelling approach centres on the story of the seven vaka while recognising the cultural and historical significance of Avana. The work ensures that the stories shared at the site are guided by the landowners and appropriately acknowledge the importance of Avana as a place of migration, heritage and identity.
Avana belongs to all our people — in the Cook Islands and those with ancestral ties to the vaka. We're working with landowners, our community and church for the benefit of us all and future generations. It is an investment in preserving and sharing our stories, and will continue to serve our community long after the work is done.
Avana Nui Maruarua Enhancement Work
We're doing some work at Avana Nui Maruarua over the next few weeks and wanted to let you know what to expect. For more details on the construction, updates and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - please scroll to the bottom of this page.
Avana is already a special place. It's where many of us come to connect with our history, our papa'anga and the story of the seven vaka that left from this shore. It's also a place visited by descendants from throughout the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
This project is about looking after that story and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this important site.
WHERE: Avana Nui Maruarua, Ngatangiia
WHEN: Thursday 4 June - Thursday 25 June 2026 (weather permitting)
Construction Plans are:
- Replacing the existing tables and benches with new seating.
- Existing concrete tables will be relocated to the Avana Meeting House
- Adding seating around selected Toa trees
- Moving the Avana storyboard and seven vaka sails to their new location
- Installing new Avana Nui sail signs at both driveway entrances
- Removing some older signs that are no longer needed
- Repainting the seawall
What does this mean for you?
The Avana site will remain open throughout the construction period, with most areas remaining accessible.
Visitors and operators should note:
- Church access will remain open throughout the works
- Parking will remain available
- One entrance and exit point will remain open at all times
- Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the community and visitors
Temporary restrictions will include:
- Access to the navigation stones will be unavailable while works are in progress
- Some areas will be temporarily cordoned off for safety reasons
- Temporary traffic management may be required during the installation of roadside signage toward the end of the project
- Weather-related delays may occur
Benefits for our Community & Visitors
When complete, the Avana Nui Project will provide lasting benefits for both our community and visitors, including:
- Improved seating and visitor amenities
- Enhanced cultural storytelling and interpretation
- Improved signage and wayfinding
- Stronger connections to the story of the seven vaka and the significance of Avana as a place of migration, heritage and identity
Important Notice for Tour Operators
As part of the agreement reached with the landowners, all commercial tour operations at the Avana historical and church site are requested to cease on Sundays.
This request follows concerns raised regarding disruption to church services and community worship. The site was originally gifted by the landowners to support the church community and continues to hold deep cultural, spiritual and community significance.
We respectfully ask all operators, guides, drivers and reservation teams to support this arrangement.
Tour operators should note:
- Permitted: Commercial tours Monday to Saturday
- Not Permitted: Commercial tours on Sundays
Ngatangiia CICC Sunday Services:
- 6:00am – Dawn Service
- 10:00am – Morning Service
- 5:00pm – Afternoon Service
Please ensure all guides, drivers, itinerary planners and reservation staff are aware of these requirements and update tour schedules accordingly.
This agreement reflects our collective commitment to balancing tourism activity with respect for local communities, landowners, places of worship and culturally significant sites.
Meitaki ma'ata
We'd like to thank the landowners, Koropuaka Rangatira - Tinirau Tamarua, Ngatangiia MP Tukaka Ama, the Ngatangiia community and everyone who has helped bring this project to life.
"This has been a dream for a long time, and I am really happy to see this project come to life. A huge meitaki ma'ata to Cook Islands Tourism Corporation for partnering with the Avana community, with the support of MP Tuakaka Ama. This place holds significant cultural and historical stories we can all be proud of."
— Koropuaka Rangatira Mr Tinirau Tamarua
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call Te Mato Manava Turoto on +682 29435.
Construction Updates
Update: 25 June 2026
The Avana Nui Maruarua enhancement works have now been completed, culminating in a special blessing and unveiling held on 25 June 2026.
A huge meitaki to our landowners, Ngatangiia community, contractors, partners and everyone who supported this project from beginning to end. Thank you also to our visitors, tour operators and the wider public for your patience and understanding while construction was underway.
Your cooperation with the temporary traffic management and worksite safety measures helped ensure the project was completed safely and successfully.
We now welcome everyone to visit Avana Nui, take in the new enhancements, and spend time reflecting on the stories, history and cultural significance of this special place.
Together, we've created a space that will honour our ancestors and be enjoyed by our community, descendants and visitors for generations to come.
Meitaki ma'ata to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. 🌿
Update: 20 June 2026
Avana Nui is Taking Shape
With every passing day, the transformation of Avana Nui Maruarua continues to take shape.
While we're keeping a few surprises under wraps until the official blessing and unveiling, our construction crews have been making fantastic progress behind the scenes.
Here's a sneak peek at what's been happening so far:
🔨 Foundations have been completed
🧱 Blockwork has been finished
🎨 Rendering of the new structures is now underway
🪵 Timber has been prepared, with installation of the new seating and benches now getting underway
Every stage brings us one step closer to creating a space that better celebrates the stories, history and cultural significance of Avana Nui Maruarua for both our people and our visitors.
One of the highlights throughout the project has been seeing the incredible support from the Ngatangiia community. Every day, people stop by to check on progress, catch up with the boys on site, share stories and even drop off kai and cold drinks. Meitaki ma'ata for your kindness and encouragement — it has meant a great deal to everyone involved.
As construction continues, we'd also like to remind everyone that this remains an active worksite.
⚠️ Please continue to:
- Stay outside all cordoned and taped-off areas
- Follow construction signage on site
- Supervise children at all times
- Enjoy watching the progress from the designated public areas
These temporary safety measures help protect both visitors and our contractors while work continues.
The countdown is now on...
We can't wait to share the finished project soon.
For now... you'll just have to wait a little longer.
Update: 18 June 2026
Meet the Team Behind Avananui 👷♂️
Since construction began on 4 June 2026, an amazing group of people have been working behind the scenes to bring the Avananui Project to life.
With the project now entering its final stages, we wanted to take a moment to give a big shout out to the people and local businesses helping make it happen.
The project is being delivered by two contractors working together — Rossouw Enterprises, led by Deon Rossouw, and AH Builders, led by Aaron Hansen.
One of the best parts of this project has been seeing the community get behind the boys.
Every day, people stop by to check on progress, share memories of Avana, drop off kai and cold drinks, or simply have a chat and wish the team well. That's what community is all about.
A huge meitaki also goes to our local businesses and suppliers who have helped bring this project to life, including Raro Signs, Esben Torget from Raro Weld, Rarotonga Welding & Steel Construction, CITC Building Centre and everyone else who has contributed their time, skills, materials and support.
To everyone who has played a part so far...
Meitaki ma'ata.
Together, you're helping bring Avananui to life. 🌿
Update: 9 June 2026
Construction is progressing well as we move into Week 2 of the Avana Nui Project, part of the Taki Tua Peu Māori Cultural Storytelling Project.
Meitaki to everyone who has stopped by to check on progress, ask questions and show their support. It's encouraging to see the community taking such an interest in this important cultural and historical site.
As construction continues, we'd also like to remind the public that Avana Nui is currently an active construction site.
For the safety of the public, contractors and work crews:
- Please do not enter any cordoned or taped-off work areas
- Construction signs have been installed throughout the site
- Safety tape and traffic cones are in place to identify restricted areas
- Please follow all signage and instructions while visiting the site
- Children should be supervised at all times
While much of the site remains accessible, some areas have been temporarily restricted to allow contractors to safely complete excavation, site preparation and installation works.
The temporary restrictions are in place to protect everyone while improvements are being completed, including:
- New seating including around selected Toa (Ironwood) trees
- Moving the Avana Storyboard and seven vaka sails and installing at their new location
- Installing New Avana Nui sail signs at both driveway entrances
- Repainting of the seawall
We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation while this work is underway and look forward to sharing further progress updates over the coming weeks.
Update: 5 June 2026
Construction is now underway at Avana Nui Maruarua, Ngatangiia following the official blessing of the site on Thursday morning 4 June 2026, by Ngatangiia CICC Orometua Haravei Williams prior to work starting.
Following discussions, consultation and site visits with the landowners of Kaireva Pt 6J3B2B, community representatives and local leaders, agreement was reached to proceed with improvements at Avana as part of the Taki Tua Peu Māori Cultural Storytelling Project.
Avana is a special place. It's where many of us come to connect with our history, our akapapaanga and the story of the seven vaka that departed from this shore. It's also a place visited by descendants from throughout the Cook Islands, Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
This project is about looking after that story and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy, learn from and connect with this important site.
Over the coming weeks, improvements include:
- Replacing the existing tables and benches with new seating
- Relocating the existing concrete tables and benches to the Avana Meeting House
- Adding seating around selected Toa (Ironwood) trees
- Moving the Avana Storyboard and the seven vaka sails to their new locations
- Installing new Avananui sail signs at both driveway entrances
- Repainting the seawall
Construction is expected to continue until 25 June 2026 (weather permitting). We thank the community for your patience while these improvements are completed
Cook Islands Tourism Regenerative Tourism Manager, Jeremy Goodwin also joined Cook Islands Radio to discuss the Avana Nui project, answer community questions and share information about the wider Taki Tua Peu Māori Cultural Storytelling Project.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avana Nui closed?
No. The site remains open, however parts of the area are temporarily restricted while construction is underway.
Why are some areas fenced off?
The cordoned areas are active construction zones containing machinery, excavation works, building materials and contractors working on site. These restrictions are in place to protect everyone while the improvements are completed.
Can I still visit?
Yes. Tour operators and visitors are welcome to continue visiting the areas that remain open and watch the transformation taking place from outside the restricted work zones.
Why can’t I walk through the construction area?
For your own safety. Construction sites change daily, and entering restricted areas creates unnecessary risks for visitors and contractors. Please respect all cones, fencing, tape and construction signage.
A Friendly Safety Reminder
We are pleased that so many people are excited about the project. As construction continues, we kindly ask everyone to:
🚧 Stay outside all cordoned and taped-off work areas
🚧 Follow all construction signage
🚧 Supervise children closely
🚧 Follow directions from contractors where required
These temporary restrictions help keep everyone safe while allowing the project to stay on schedule.
Thank you once again to our Ngatangiia community, landowners, contractors and everyone who has supported the project so far.
Together, we are creating a place that honours our history, celebrates our culture and welcomes future generations to learn the stories of Avana Nui Maruarua.
