Escape Magazine ESCAPE 29 | Page 6

Editors Note Kia Orana and welcome to the Pacific Paradise of the Cook Islands and issue 29 of Escape magazine. Publisher RD Pacific Publishing Limited Editors Margaret and Steve Woulfe Design Pages Design & Print Services Ltd www.pagesprint.co.nz Printed in New Zealand Webstar a division of Blue Star Group (New Zealand) Ltd, Auckland. Advertising director Margaret Woulfe Regular contributors Glenda Tuaine Joan Gragg Rachel Smith Jessica Palmer Chris Taylor Advertising sales Rarotonga Margaret Woulfe Phone: [phone] or 57512 Email: [email protected] Distribution Rarotonga Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Distribution Aitutaki Annie Bishop Phone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Escape is published bi-annually by RD Pacific Publishing Limited P.O. Box 3010, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Email: [email protected] All contents of ESCAPE magazine are copyright of RD Pacific Publishing Limited. Any reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. While some of you are sitting on a beach or relaxing by the pool in Rarotonga, Aitutaki or one of the other Cook Islands, others of you will be reading this, sitting in an Air New Zealand Koru lounge in Auckland or even the Qantas or Strata lounges while waiting to go away on holiday or having picked up a copy from a Flight Centre Expo are planning already where to go and stay while over here. Hopefully this gives you a small taste of what the Cook Islands have to offer. When you are thinking of that next trip away, this is the place to visit. Now we have three airlines flying to Rarotonga – Air New Zealand, Jetstar and Virgin - it is easier and more affordable than ever to come over for a week or two or more. With daily flights from New Zealand to Rarotonga and easy connections to Air Rarotonga, all the Cook Islands are in easy reach. And don’t forget those of you from Australia, the USA, or even further afield there are flights weekly from Sydney and Los Angeles with Air New Zealand. From July the tourist season really starts to build, so get in early for any rental vehicles you may require from Island Car & Bike. It pays to book any trips or activities you wish to do in advance. For those just here for relaxation and nothing strenuous then check out the best of the Cafes and Restaurants on pages 26 to 37, there will be something there for all tastes. We are pleased to introduce in this issue yet another new writer, Chris Taylor who like Jessica (she reappears here talking about Atiu) and Greta lives in Queensland, must be something about the Cooks that attracts the Queenslanders! This issue covers local artists and their exhibitions both at local Bergmans Gallery and their own galleries and studios. From clothes to painting as well as artists using surf boards to show off their styles, art is an intrinsic part of the Cook Islands culture. We learn about sailing in the Cook Islands both past and present as well as the local music scene. The biggest event in the Cook Islands starts on July 26 and runs until August 5 - Te Maeva Nui, a celebration of Cook Islands independance. There will be events around the islands with the largest gathering being for the Te Maeva Nui cultural competitions held at the National Auditorium between those days. To see people of all ages in traditional dance and song get in early for your tickets. November brings us the Raro Rugby Sevens and Vaka Eiva - see rugby and paddling athletes compete in great games and vaka races. For more information on Whats on see pages 92 to 98 or call any of the Cook Island Tourism offices listed on page 98. We hope that everyone finds something to enjoy in this issue and welcome any feedback you may have either via email or on our Facebook page – Cook Islands Escape Magazine. Don’t forget if you are on Facebook to please like our page and follow our page to keep up with events and people in the Cook Islands. Don’t forget to mention Escape magazine when you book or use any of our advertisers as some are offering a discount for name dropping. To all visitors please take this magazine home with you and share with your friends so they too can come and experience our little piece of paradise. Kia Manuia Margaret & Steve 6 • Escape Magazine