As part of the Cook Islands 60th Anniversary Legacy Programme and ongoing terminal enhancements, Airport Authority Cook Islands (AACI) held a blessing and unveiling ceremony for newly installed terminal murals at the Rarotonga Internation Airport.

The ceremony took place yesterday, with special guests welcomed to witness the unveiling of the new installations at the airport.

Artist Katu Teiti demonstrated five months of stunning art paintings, featuring 15 murals, each exceptionally crafted and representing one of the 15 islands of the Cook Islands.

Each mural features prominent creatures, well-known objects or places specific to a particular island.

Teiti incorporated the main creatures or well-known objects from that particular island into his designs.

The murals highlight the unique characteristics and rich culture of each island through these distinct elements.

Nikau Tangaroa, chief executive officer of Airport Authority, says the new addition to the airport is a way to connect all islands to the centre of the Cook Islands at the Rarotonga International Airport.

“Rarotonga International Airport being the hub for the Cook Islands, connecting to the outer islands as well to international countries, so I know not many of us are actually given the opportunity to visit all the islands, so because Rarotonga being the hub, so why not bring part of the islands here at the Rarotonga Internation hub for that connection.”

Both domestic and international passengers will embrace the outer islands through these murals, not only admiring the beautiful artwork but also gaining a sense of each island.

According to Tangaroa, the location of the murals also reflects the specific locations on the map, from South to North. All the poles on the eastward side, towards the town, represent the Southern Group islands, while the poles on the westward side represent the Northern Group islands.

Artist Teiti said the details of the murals he had been working on for the past five months were mostly new to him, especially the creatures specific to each group. However, he was determined and dedicated to continue confidently.

Teiti said he took a lot of time to plan, put together and research aspects from the islands while visualising the final outcome of his art work.

The details were a challenge to him, but he managed by working his way around the idea he was trying to portray.

“If you add a little splash, your mind and eyes will arrange the art together,” he explained.

Teiti also added that one of the murals contains a hidden word, Amelia, placed within the paintings. It’s impossible to see until you “put your mind to it”.

He provided a clue: the word is located within the mural his apprentice has been working on since her arrival three weeks ago.

Tangaroa is grateful for the opportunity given to AACI, its board, infrastructure, and artist Teiti and his colleagues. He is thankful for their contributions, as well as those of other supporters who made this project possible.