Raru e Maruakaītā: A Fresh Take on Cook Islands Fables Debuts in New Zealand

Cook Islands theatre is making waves on the New Zealand stage, and at the heart of this movement are two passionate creatives: Poe Tiare Tararo and Roy Iro. Their latest collaboration, Raru e Maruakaītā, a play based on a traditional Cook Islands fable, will debut at Te Pou Theatre in Henderson this November. 

Both Tararo and Iro are dedicated to bringing stories from their Cook Islands heritage to the forefront of theatre, creating a space where myths, legends, and contemporary experiences are celebrated.

Poe Tiare Tararo, the playwright and lead actor in Raru e Maruakaītā, has long been driven by the desire to preserve and share the stories of the Cook Islands. For her, theatre is more than just a form of artistic expression; it's a way to keep her culture alive. 

"I have always felt a responsibility to write about the stories that my grandparents and ancestors passed down. There is a richness in these legends that can speak to all generations if we share them in the right way." 

Tararo views her work as part of a larger movement to ensure that the Cook Islands' cultural narratives are not lost, particularly for younger audiences growing up in New Zealand. 

"Our stories aren't as well-known here, and I want to change that. I want our youth to feel proud when they hear a story from their island and know that it's part of who they are."

Equally passionate about the importance of cultural representation is Roy Iro, a performer in Raru e Maruakaītā who shares Tararo’s dedication to promoting Cook Islands theatre. 

For Iro, acting is about more than playing a role; it’s a way to connect with his heritage and pass on that connection to others. 

"Theatre is a powerful medium for our people to see themselves reflected on stage. Every time I perform a Cook Islands story, I feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of our ancestors. It’s about honouring where we come from." 

His involvement in the production stems from a deeply personal place, as he believes the play offers an authentic representation of Cook Islands culture that audiences rarely see in mainstream theatre.

Iro’s experience as an actor in this production allows him to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, something he feels is essential for the future of Cook Islands storytelling. 

"It's not just about telling old stories; it’s about adapting them to speak to where we are now. We’re using the old fables, but we're making them relatable to today's world. That’s how you keep a culture alive—you let it grow and evolve." 

This passion for bringing Cook Islands stories to a wider audience, particularly through theatre, is something that he and Tararo both believe in deeply.

The play itself, Raru e Maruakaītā, represents a unique collaboration of these two creatives. Tararo wrote the play to bring one of the less well-known Cook Islands fables to life, drawing on the myth’s themes of survival, strength, and cultural identity. 

"This story resonated with me because it reflects the challenges we face today—being Pacific Islanders in New Zealand, navigating two worlds, and trying to hold on to who we are," she explains. Iro, who plays a key role in the production, feels that their shared vision is bringing a fresh, modern lens to Cook Islands storytelling. 

"When you see this play, you’re seeing something new but deeply rooted in the past. It’s a blend of tradition and the future of our people."

Both Tararo and Iro are part of a wider effort to bring more Cook Islands works to the theatre scene in New Zealand. Their dedication to Cook Islands representation in the arts is what drives them, and they see this play as just the beginning. 

"I hope this opens the door for more Cook Islands stories to be told," 

"We have so much to share, and our voices deserve to be heard on every stage."

Iro agrees, adding that there is a thirst for Pacific stories that truly reflect the diversity within their communities.

 "There’s a hunger for these stories, and now is the time to feed that hunger. We need to be out there, not just in the audience but on the stage, telling our stories in our own way." 

For both of them, Raru e Maruakaītā is a way to start that conversation and encourage future generations to take pride in their cultural heritage through the powerful medium of theatre.

As they prepare for the debut, Tararo and Iro remain committed to their mission of preserving and promoting Cook Islands culture. 

Their passion for the project is clear, and they hope their work will inspire others to engage with their own heritage in meaningful ways. 

"For us, it’s not just about one play—it’s about what comes next. This is only the beginning," 

Tararo concludes with a smile, confident that the future of Cook Islands theatre is bright.