A Raro Fire and Food Festival took place a week ago at the Rarotonga Sailing Club in Muri, aiming to raise important funds while hosting a barbecue competition for local cooks and international participants.

The event successfully raised funds that will be split between the Sailing Club and the Cook Island Barbecue Alliance (CIBA).

The purpose of this allocation is to provide both the Club and CIBA with the opportunity to travel and participate in upcoming international competitions, for not only experience but to also gain recognition and exposure.

Rarotonga Sailing Club hosted the fifth annual Raro Fire and Food Festival, featuring low and slow barbecue, live music and beverages, with many visitors enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and delicious barbecue food.

Not only did the festival serve as a fundraiser but it also provided a platform for local cooking professionals and pitmasters to compete against five international teams from New Zealand.

The local teams demonstrated their skills with “Nohanga” winning first local in the barbecue chicken section and “Sunday Smokers” taking first local in the brisket section.

A new local team, “Sharpulled Porkies” impressed the panel of judges as they secured first place overall and first place in the pork category.

Team “Ki te kopu’ also performed well, maintaining their reputation as a strong competitor.

As for the international competitors, New Zealand barbecue teams “2 girls and a grill” and “Meat Loaf” claimed grand champion and reserve champion titles, demonstrating excellent skills which added a little prestige to the event.

Even promoter, Thomas McDonald, also known as Uncle Tom, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the many supporters of the event.

“I want to thank Sally and Duane Malcolm especially, and everyone for the massive support the event gets – sponsors, volunteers, pitmasters, musicians, and more, whether it’s through money, entertainment, prizes, or even sweat, Meitaki maata ki te au aronga tei tauturu i teia kimikimianga moni no te tauturu i te Sailing Club e te Cook Islands Barbecue Alliance.”

According to McDonald, a special acknowledgment was given to the New Zealand Barbecue Alliance for their significant role in the event’s success, and for continuing to spread the love of barbecue far and wide.

The Raro Fire and Food Festival once again proved to be a celebration of community, culture, and culinary excellence.

“Mark your calendars for next year’s festival, which will take place on the 27th of June, 2026.”