Cook Islands 21sts are all about family, but mine can’t come | 2000s Baby

By Liam van Eeden and Maggie Shui

“21sts are really important in Cook Islands culture.”

Poe Tiare’s 21st is a big deal for her and her whānau. Before she reaches this milestone, she wants to connect with the Māori side of her Cook Island/Māori whakapapa.

Meanwhile, her step father is coming from Raro to Pōneke to bring her key – will he make it in time?

About ‘2000s Baby’:

You’re invited to Misha, Rāwhiti, Poe Tiare, Alison and Tristan’s 21sts.

We join five 2000s babies at their 21st birthdays, getting a snapshot of what it looks like to become an adult across different walks of life in Aotearoa.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Watch more 2000s Baby below.

All Episodes5

Inside Misha’s 21st, NZ’s baddest influencer | 2000s Baby

Watch the first episode of our brand new docuseries, 2000s Baby.

I want to come out to my parents before my 21st | 2000s Baby

“I’m always known to be the quiet one.”

Lip filler, rejection and immigrant parents: Alison’s 21st | 2000s Baby

“I’m Alison, I’m 21 and I’m a baddie.”

Northland, my first moko and ‘hella yardies’: Rāwhiti’s 21st | 2000s Baby

Watch the fourth episode of 2000s Baby now.

Cook Islands 21sts are all about family, but mine can’t come | 2000s Baby

Watch the fifth episode of 2000s Baby now, following Poe Tiare.

2000s Baby

You’re invited to Misha, Rāwhiti, Poe Tiare, Alison and Tristan’s 21sts.
We join five 2000s babies at their 21st birthdays, getting a snapshot of what it looks like to become an adult across different walks of life in Aotearoa.

Read6

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The rise in popularity also reflects a more chilled out attitude towards cosmetic procedures. 

How some Cook Islands' 21st traditions are changing for the better

“Live your life to the fullest, never look back, no regrets, kia mataora koe!”

Tā moko: What it means and when is the right time to get one

"It’s different for everyone."

I wasn’t vaccinated as a kid but I got the Covid-19 jab I 2000s Baby

“I had to get there on my own.”

Like Misha, I rejected my Indian culture growing up | 2000s Baby

“The South Asian experience has been a complicated one for many of us growing up in New Zealand”.

Is the yardie dead? Inside 21st birthdays in Aotearoa

We made a documentary series about 21st birthdays and there’s somehow not a single yardie.

View all series