Te Mana O Te Peu Tupuna - "The Power of Cook Islands Culture"
The ongoing health of our evolving culture and protection of Cook Islands' traditional arts , crafts, medicines, stories, legends, historic places and ways of life are paramount to us.
The existence and success of this place bears witness to the dedication shown by those who care about our authentic culture. But we know we must continue to do more.
The Highland Paradise Cultural Education Program for schools is an important part of our local students ongoing education and the guided tours we operate for them are tailor made to suit the level at which the visits are aimed.
Our guides know how to immerse their students into our ancient culture and role playing is an important part of those tours. Local students are invited to help in the native tree planting programs and other site maintenance activities.
Visiting overseas schools and other culture groups are welcome to experience these educational tours and will depart much the richer for it.
The Drums of our Forefathers feast and show which includes a unique village experience is also offered to school and cultural groups at special rates (including transport).
Cultural Cadet Programme
Sponsored Cultural Cadets are offered preferred employment at Highland Paradise upon leaving school. Educational School Visits – To engage our young Cook Islanders we approach all 13 school,
every year to offer them the opportunity to visit the site. This transfer of knowledge assists us in reaching our goal to preserve our culture for the benefit of Cook Islanders.
Mentoring on Protocol
Protocol advice from Ariki (Paramount Chiefs), Tinomana Ariki & Pa Ariki, Puaikura Rangatira (Sub Chiefs) and Ta’unga (witch doctor) is sought. In return food is gifted to give thanks and pay respect. These practices align us spiritually and provide authenticity to all that we do.
Number One for Culture
We believe we are accepted as the no.1 providers of authentic Cook Islands culture because we dedicate our entire capacity towards culture alone. Many other cultural attractions also provide off-site tours, accommodation etc. We believe we can best remain true to our culture by living it all day, every day. Other businesses have attempted to copy some of our product. We believe that copying is a measure of success in itself Increased Local Participation – We are humbled to have a waiting list of local villagers wishing to work with us as cultural guides and have had an increasing number of Cook Islanders experiencing Highland Paradise.
Local Tribute
We are honored that the village has chosen to base their Drum Dance and Float Parade 2011 on the story of Highland Paradise.
Preservation of Heritage Sites
We have been nominated as only 1 of 2 representatives to preserve Heritage sites in the Cook Islands as a result of our work in maintaining the largest and authentic site on Rarotonga.
As caretakers of the original Tinomana Settlement, we tell the stories of the true origins of our culture and remain sensitive to the memories of the village founders and to their descendants.......Our Vision: "To maintain, preserve and showcase authentic Cook Islands culture and history for the ultimate benefit of Cook Islanders"
Highland Paradise provides customers with a "looking glass" into the evolution of Cook Islands culture. Day Tour - A guided or self guided (with booklet) trek through the Tinomana village offering an entertaining and unique opportunity to rediscover hidden pathways, crafts, maraes, house sites, gathering places, ceremonies and various plant life used in the 1300's. we are obligated to deliver "real" Cook Islands culture. Drums of our forefathers – Our evening show is a cultural journey where customers board the bus/vaka (Canoe) and elect a chief (Rangatira) to lead their vaka into the village. The outdoor village is alive with busy villagers a guard, a carver, a medicine hut and a cooking hut. The warning Conch shell sounds, The Pau (Drum) beats slowly and the eerie vivo (nose flute) beckons. A tapu lifting ceremony is held at the marae because of the sacredness of the site. This provides protection and welcomes each customer and is a moving and often tearful experience. We then share in a sunset Umu feast of Rarotongan produce prepared as it was 600 years ago. The evening is topped off with a 1 1/2 hour interactive presentation of the evolution of Cook Islands culture through storytelling, humour, dance and song. In true Cook Islands Style we wave goodbye to all the buses. Our customers are always humbled by our last wave.
This mountain retreat has always been pollution free but we at Highland Paradise, in this modern age, have to work harder than our ancestors did to preserve the pristine environment we call sacred.
Responsible Tourism
Highland Paradise is a family business and committed to a style of tourism that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible. We aim to operate in a way that conserves our environment, our culture and brings positive benefits to our local community. Our business depends on it.
Vegetation growth
As caretakers of over 200 acres of land, we must protect our bio-diversity of rare native flora and fauna and maintain and control fast growing vegetation to prevent the village becoming overgrown. The 25 acres of lawn area is mowed every Friday in the winter months and fortnightly in the summer. It is our plan to cultivate medicinal plants and native trees and to eliminate introduced species, weeds and invasive species.
A tourist "Carbon Credits" tree planting initiative has been in place for over two years.
Rain Water
We experience frequent heavy rainfall which impacts on our access roads. Rain causes soil erosion and pot holes we mitigate this by clearing debris from drainage and planting on slopes. It can also cause blockages in our natural water supply. A water tank collects rain water and is used whilst intakes are being cleared.
Food scraps and leftovers Any scraps from the centre are recycled into free pig food for local farmers reducing the amount of imported pig food for them and reducing the waste going into the landfill. Bottles and cans are recycled via the island wide system and most are eventually returned to New Zealand or used in the making of concrete products. We avoid using plastic bags where possible and Grey water is recycled for garden growth. Tree trimmings and grass clippings etc are composted naturally to promote growth of our plants.
As a historical site you expect to see an authentic natural environment. Nothing introduced, fake or borrowed from another culture. We maintain the village environment as close as possible to its original glory with the only modern day additions being electricity, signage and bus transport. We ensure our staff and guides are aware of the necessity to protect and conserve our environment and they in turn pass this policy on to you. We work hard to eradicate introduced plant species and destructive non native fauna. Recycling of waste is non-negotiable. We host and operate many school group on site seminars which focus on the land, flora and fauna and the conservation necessary to maintain it in sustainable and culturally correct ways.
We belong to the "International Eco Tourism Society" and receive advice through that medium. We also attend local environmental seminars and belong to active Non Government Organisation's who care about our environmental future.
Highland Paradise does not draw from the island's water supply. An on-site natural water spring is continuous and is a reason for the original village being sited here. This crystal clear water supplies all our needs for cleaning, liquid waste and watering of plants. Rainwater is collected, filtered and used for drinking and cooking in water tanks.
