The theme for this year’s ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te Oneone o tōku ‘Ui Tupuna which means connect me to the soil of my ancestors. To mark the week Curator Pacific Cultures Rachel Yates has a taratara with current staff member Kate Ngatokorua about her experiences as Miss Cook Islands.Read more
Lorraine Downes is the subject of Our Miss Universe, a new showcase at Te Papa which features her iconic Miss Universe gown, crown, sash and trophy, all of which she recently gifted to Te Papa. On Tuesday 24 September from 6pm–7.30pm, New Zealand’s most famous beauty queen will present an illustrated talk atRead more
Thirty years ago today, on 11 July 1983, American television host Bob Barker announced to the world that ‘Miss New Zealand, Miss Lorraine Downes, is now Miss Universe 1983’. It was a historic moment for the competition organisers, for New Zealand and for the 19 year old model with the winningRead more
