The main business of the Ministry is the preservation, enhancement and perpetuation of the Cook Islands culture. In 1975, a Cultural Division was created under the umbrella of the division of Internal Affairs.

Three years later, the cultural division was closed down and merged with the Tumu Korero Division.

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The year 1979 saw the cessation of the Tumu Korero Division. In recognition of these difficulties, the present establishment elevates culture to the status of the Ministry unto itself. In 1992, the Ministry of Cultural Development was re-established and took up its new premises at the National Cultural Centre, which was built to host the 1992 Pacific Arts Festival.

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Referred to as “Tauranga Vananga”, the Ministry is made up of 3 Outputs:

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• Cultural Identity – Te Papa Turanga Manava Māori

• Cultural Heritage – Te Papa Akamou Korero

• Cultural Governance – Te Papa Turanga Kaveinga Arangatu