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Help us raise funds to make our short documentary - Taonga - An Artist Activist - Mike Tavioni

  • The times we live in

      24 September 2020
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    Apologies for not updating sooner, but these are indeed strange times we live in. With our doco we have commenced work and begun filming Mike at his Gallery and Vananga. Next week we will film Mike and his long time collaborator Hawaiian music legend Rudy Aquino. They will be delivering 3 of his poems to camera which I am so happy to be doing. I first came across Mike Tavioni on Radio New Zealand reciting one of his poems. I had no idea who he was back then but his voice and words stopped me in my tracks and from that moment on I wanted to know who he was. His poetry is on CD and so worth listening too. Now I have the privilege of filming him. I thank you all for your support on this page and yes we may not reach our target funds here but every little bit helps and for that I am so appreciative to you all

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  • The business of making a doco is all in the chats with Mike

      29 August 2020
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    Kia orana ano,

    Being able to sit with Mike and discuss Life, Art, Politics and his perspective on the direction of the Cook Islands makes for great insights. This week Mike has finished up a Vaka that he taught 2 young boys to prep and carve. This afternoon it will be blessed and handed over. Mike gives his knowledge freely and to all ages.

    When we meet we spend a lot of time laughing over a variety of topics this week it was about the use of Tangaroa by the Hawaiian Rugby team which we both had similar views on.

    Their is never a dull moment with Mike Tavioni - Master Carver, Pasifika Artist and Taonga.

    Thanks so much for your support to make our Documentary on Mike.

    Meitaki Atupaka

    G

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  • Creative Futures

      14 August 2020
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    Beginning this project I knew that it would be a real journey of learning and connecting with people who genuinely care for the Arts in the Cook islands and Pacific. Having all of you recognise the project the way you have with your donations is really quite humbling. These Covid times have meant all of us are having to refocus, reformat and find new ways to create business, work and actually just be. My friend Mike is pure gold. Sitting and talking to him about the country's direction, the future, how to create sustainability - I feel like i should be live streaming him - you know what perhaps I will. But from Mike and I - Meitaki for your support

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  • Its all in the planning in the strange world we live in now

      6 August 2020
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    It certainly is a strange time in the world for everyone and on our island we face some really interesting challenges with no Tourists and all businesses very concerned about the future.

    For Mike as much as a global pandemic is going in the world - his world is the gallery, Art, Carving and the his community. Both Him and I are excited about getting into filming this digital short doco and being able to tell some of his story and show others how incredible he is. Mike passes on knowledge with every conversation have - seriously I feel like i need a camera on him every time we meet. Thanks so ,much to those that have supported so far every little but helps us

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