Land in the Cook Islands is sacred and passed through the generations. It cannot be sold.
The land where Manatu is located is part of a bigger section called Totokoitu. The section runs from the sea to the top of the mountains. Originally it was used to grow crops of taro, coconut and maniota. Some of the old coconut trees still stand today.
The land was leased to the government for a 60 year period and used as an agricultural research plantation to grow exotic varieties of fruit and vegetables. Today the land is shared amongst a small number of families and used for residential and commercial purposes
The Kainuku Ariki has a rich and interesting past. Depending on who you talk to you will always get a mix of reactions. The word Kainuku literally translates to ‘food’ and ‘body’. The island translation is ‘body eaters’ or the western term ‘cannibal’.
The Kainuku Ariki is one of the oldest royal families on the island with its roots in Avana, Muri and Ngatangiia. The Kainuku tribe is closely linked through marriage to the Pa Ariki and have worked together for hundreds of years.
The Ariki is represented by the shark and has a reputation as fierce fighters for land and land rights. Only a handful of individuals with the Kainuku name remain on the island today.
The original landowners - The Kainuku Ariki
Vaikai Manatu Kainuku
Vaiki Manatu Kainuku was the sole land owner on the section where the house is now located. Manatu never saw the Tokokoitu section, but gifted this to the current landowner, his grandson. It’s only fitting to name the house after him.
Manatu was the eldest son of Tamati Kainuku and Tepaeru Ariki Crummer and was raised in the family homestead in Ngatangiia, which still stands today. He spent his youth with his father exploring the motu’s, checking the fish traps and looking after livestock. Manatu later moved with his wife and family to Nelson, New Zealand where he remained until his passing in 2000.
The house is decorated with cultural artwork and carvings from local and international artists. Some of the works are bespoke and irreplaceable. Please enjoy them, but treat the art with respect as this is a private, personal collection. Do not remove any weapons or carvings from the wall as some are heavy, dangerous, delicate and very expensive to replace.
Local art and wood carvings can be purchased in Rarotonga and can be taken home as souvenirs. The Bergman gallery and Punanga Nui market have some of the best local arts to offer and are definitely worth a visit.
The cultural artworks