For the past 30 years Marie Pa Ariki has overseen her Takitumu people as paramount chief, a title she inherited from her mother Terito who passed away in 1990. Marie Pa was 42 years old at the time.

As an Ariki in the 21st century, Pa Ariki says it was important to invite the youth and community to come together to learn and celebrate our Cook Islands culture. 

Back in the homeland of the Cook Islands Marie Pa Ariki also has a multi purpose palace that serves its people, each wing of the palace serves a different function. On the left is a residence, intended to accommodate visiting chiefs and dignitaries; the centre is a museum, a window into both the life of Marie Pa and Polynesian traditions; on the right is a health and wellness centre. 

The health and wellness centre was inspired by Pa’s passion to change the habits her people developed when they turned away from living off the land and toward imported food.

Here to join us on the Pacific Breakfast Show Te Ariki Vaine o Takitumu. Kia Orana e te ariki va’ine

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