What’s the Kaupapa? Opua Collective is rooted in the legacy of Opua, a name gifted 80 years ago by our Tupu (planters, nurturers) on ancestral lands in the Cook Islands. First given by Kim’s grandfather to the maunga that sustained the ānau (family) and village, Opua embodies intentionality, creating with purpose and meaning.
Today, as modern-day Tupu, we cultivate equity-focused arts programs that nourish well-being (ora’anga), uplift communities, and ensure creativity thrives as a force for intergenerational transformation. The arts positively impact young people’s relationships, social connection, sense of belonging, and overall well-being. They also help navigate adversity, providing meaning, purpose, and optimism for the future.
What Do We Do? We provide local learning communities with access to all facets of the arts, fostering creativity, strengthening cultural identity, and enhancing overall well-being. Through arts-based programs and intergenerational knowledge-sharing initiatives, we nurture the holistic well-being of young people and their communities.
Who is Involved? Kim Napa – Lead Arts Tupu The Village: Sharlene Atai – Project Management & Development Richard Fuli – Technical Advisor Josh McMillan – Creative A collective of creatives, including local, national, and global Indigenous artists collaborating for impact.
Background Story Kim previously served as the Cook Islands Ministry of Education’s Learning & Teaching Advisor for the Arts, enhancing teacher capability and curriculum delivery. Before that, she was a specialist Visual Arts teacher in NZ.
From this experience, the vision emerged to deliver meaningful arts programs to support holistic well-being. Over two years, Kim successfully piloted the Creatives Afterschool Programme – Kaupapa Irianga Following this and a Master’s study in Educational Leadership and Change and Oganisational Resilience, Kim has reconnected with creatives and social impact leaders to advance the next phase of this kaupapa in Aotearoa New Zealand.
