During Welcoming Week 2025, Marlborough was graced with the vibrant presence of Puku Rangi Tea, a Rapa Nui cultural group whose name means “Stone Like a White Cloud”. This sacred place in Hanga Roa is where the group’s members grew up learning traditional stories, songs, dances, crafts, and history from their elders, the heart of cultural transfer from generation to generation.
Arriving on Thursday 11 September, the group immediately engaged with the community, performing at Marlborough Girls’ College during the International Week closing ceremony. Students and local audiences experienced a captivating showcase of Rapa Nui music and dance and had the opportunity to connect personally with the performers.
After a long journey from Easter Island through Santiago and Auckland to Blenheim, Puku Rangi Tea took some well-earned rest at Stadium 2000, enjoying the pool, sauna, and steam room before joining the Marlborough Multicultural Centre and local community members at Watery Mouth for an official welcome. The group shared their culture, life stories, and a preview of the exciting programme ahead.
Friday 12 September was packed with cultural exchange. At Rapaura School, students were welcomed with a traditional Haka and treated to a dynamic performance by the group, telling stories through dance and music. Students joined mini dance classes, tried traditional steps, and engaged with the performers through games, art, and sports. Teachers exchanged insights on educational systems between Rapa Nui and Aotearoa, creating a meaningful dialogue alongside the cultural immersion.
Later, at Stadium 2000, the group hosted music and dance workshops. Attendees learned to play Rapa Nui instruments such as the 8-string ukulele, guitar, yembe, conga, and more, culminating in a collaborative performance blending music and dance. The dance workshop saw over 80 participants from different nationalities learning traditional Rapa Nui steps, ultimately performing a complete choreography — a testament to the group’s energy, skill, and warmth.
Pasifika Festival 2025 became a historic moment when Puku Rangi Tea took the main stage, captivating the audience with a performance initially planned for 12 minutes that extended to over 20, as the crowd joined in dancing and celebrating. This marked the first time an international group participated in the festival, adding a new milestone to Marlborough’s cultural calendar.
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The tour culminated with a sold-out concert at Marlborough Boys’ College Hall, attended by 400 guests. The performance showcased over 60 minutes of Rapa Nui artistry, including body painting (Takona), storytelling games (Kai Kai), the war dance Hoko, and folk dances like Sau Sau, narrating the rich history and legends of Easter Island. Guests and even Chilean Ambassador Manahi Pakarati joined the celebration on stage, creating a truly unforgettable cultural experience. All Photos available here - MMC Facebook Page
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This spectacular series of events not only celebrated the Rapa Nui culture but also strengthened community connections and set the stage for the Marlborough Multicultural Centre’s 20th Anniversary in March 2026.
MMC warmly thanks all organisations and individuals who collaborated to make this unforgettable Welcoming Week possible.
