OPENING OF PA ARIKI'S PALACE MUSEUM

Entrance to the Palace

Pa Tepaeru Upokotini Ariki

View from the Palace grounds to the main road and mountains

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The staterooms of the Pa Ariki Palace opened to the public on Monday 08 December 2014.    Tall palm trees surround the Palace, and extensive lush green lawns run down to the main road. 
The palace was opened in 2009 as a private residence as well as for holding ceremonial occasions. 

Chantal Napa, Curator of the Museum, has made a small, but exciting beginning using the treasure trove of artifacts, memorabilia and photos from the personal collection of Pa Tepaeru Upokotini Ariki, the Paramount Chief of Vaka Takitumu.

The collection is a rich and relevant history of one of the Cook Island’s traditional leaders.

Chantal acknowledges that the collected works need to be extensively researched, archived, dated and labeled.  

When the Museum is officially opened in the New Year it will be a fitting recognition of not only Pa Ariki but also the House of Ariki, Koutu Nui and the traditions of the Cook Islands

Beautiful Tivaevae

Johno, Chantal Napa and Helen in front of Tongan Tapa

Artifacts, photos and traditional dress of an Ariki

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