Luna our unofficial ambassador
By Shona Pitt

Norman Paul and Luna...The Cook Islands
connection in Samoa

IN the heart of Samoa’s main shopping district in Apia you will find a shop called Manu Mea. The popular gift shop is owned and operated by Cook Islander Luna Paul.
Married to a Samoan, Luna has been based in Samoa for the past 20 years and has developed a reputation as being a successful businesswoman.
In business for the past 10 years, she started out printing fabric and selling crafts.
She has expanded over the years to include screen printing, embroidery and local crafts. Her designs are originals and distinctive and her garments are in demand.
While her achievements in the business arena are recognised and acknowledged she is also known for the hospitality that she extends to any Cook Islander visiting Samoa.
EMBASSY
She is often referred to as the “Cook Islands Ambassador”, with her home being called “the Embassy”. Her generosity and willingness to assist any Cook Islander is unsurpassed.
Not only has she on occasions opened her home to visiting groups she also has been known to provide transport for them.
For instance during the recent Miss South Pacific Pageant Luna provided accommodation for several Cook Islands supporters. She organised appointments with hairdressers, picked up and dropped people off; she gave freely of her time even though she had a business to oversee.
Her shop, Manu Mea became a focal meeting place for the Cook Islands group. Her seamstress was kept busy sewing garments for the visitors and more than one person was wearing a Manu Mea creation on the night of the pageant.
HEARTS
Always friendly and cheerful Luna and her husband Norman open their home as well as their hearts to Cook Islanders visiting Samoa.
Cook Islanders should be proud of this modest couple as their actions speak louder than words.

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- Luna our unofficial ambassador