02/03/2026
The anau here at Tū Anga‘anga Productions are devastated to hear of the passing of Tauraki Rongo — Cook Islands Radio host for PMN Cook Islands, a devoted father and grandfather, and a deeply respected colleague and friend.
Tauraki was one of our most trusted leaders, not only here in Aotearoa but also back home in the Cook Islands. His connection to Tū Anga‘anga began through his niece and co-founder, Poe Tiare Tararo, but it grew far beyond that during our production of Raru e Maruakaītā (2024), where Tauraki lent his powerful voice to the role of Pastor Ngā.
When we were searching for a voice actor for Pastor Ngā, we found ourselves at a loss until Poe Tiare remembered the unmistakable, god-like voice of her uncle. Strong, unwavering, and instantly recognisable within our community, Tauraki’s voice carried authority, warmth, and truth. With a simple message and a call from his niece, he agreed to come on board and breathe life into the character.
In 2022, the first iteration of Raru e Maruakaītā he once again welcome his nieces call and happily welcomed her onto the Cook Islands talkshow segment on PMN Cook Islands giving her the space to talk about her culture, when it came to culture he would never say "no". He was the champion of our arts and for our people both near and far and this world has developed a void in the shape of the man that was Tauraki Rongo that may never be filled again.
His voice will forever be immortalized in this work. We will listen with pride, knowing that this warrior for Cook Islands people and culture is woven into the foundation of Cook Islands theatre that we at Tū Anga‘anga are committed to building.
Aere atu e Tauraki.
Ko Iehova tō tātou māroiroi e tō tātou ākapuanga, vaitata roa ia kia kore tātou e rokoia e te tīmatanga. ❤️🙏❤️
