Talking with Oliver Hall and Richard Tait, Ben Bergman reflects on his unconventional upbringing in the Cook Islands, the challenges of growing up gay in a conservative society before law reform, and his passion for art.
The Cook Islands, with their pristine lagoons and warm island hospitality, are an escape for many. For Ben Bergman, however, they are home. As the founder of the Bergman Gallery—a dual-location contemporary art space with branches in Rarotonga and Ponsonby, Auckland—Ben is a champion of Pacific art. Yet his journey to becoming one of the region’s most prominent art advocates is as unique as the islands themselves.
From Melbourne to the Islands
Ben’s family made the move to Rarotonga in 1976, a decision spearheaded by his mother. “Mum was living in suburban Melbourne with two kids and a husband who worked 12-to-16-hour shifts,” Ben shares. “One day, she decided she’d had enough. She went island hopping with a friend and ended up in Rarotonga. When she got back, she told Dad, ‘I’m taking the boys. Are you coming?’”
The family sold everything, leaving behind a suburban life to start anew. “We arrived with no house, no professional plan, and only a vague idea of opening a jewellery shop,” Ben recalls. “At the time, Rarotonga was barely on anyone’s radar. People thought we were mad, saying we wouldn’t last a year. But here we are, 48 years later!”
Diving for Pearls
When a planned jewellery shop fell through, Ben’s parents pivoted. A chance encounter at a local duty-free store introduced them to Cook Islands pearls. Before long, they were travelling to Penrhyn Island—a remote atoll 1,200 kilometres from Rarotonga—to collect natural pearls.
“Penrhyn is an enormous lagoon, fringed by tiny motu,” Ben explains. “It’s so big, you could fit the island of Rarotonga inside it and still have space to spare.”
Life in Penrhyn was both idyllic and demanding. “We lived there on and off for 10 years. Divers would spend hours pulling sacks of oysters from the lagoon, and you’d sort through hundreds just to find one or two pearls,” he says.
For Ben, the experience was formative. “It was a beautiful, free way to grow up. Everyone knew everyone, and the community embraced us fully. It was an upbringing unlike any other.”
Art, Advocacy, and the Birth of Bergman Gallery
Ben’s foray into art began when his family purchased a local jewellery business in 2001, inheriting its craft and art exhibitions. “One of the first shows we hosted introduced me to Mahiriki Tangaroa, a Cook Islands artist who has become central to our gallery,” Ben says. “That was the spark. Twenty-three years and over 200 exhibitions later, here we are.”
In 2016, Ben formalised his work with the launch of Bergman Gallery, focusing exclusively on contemporary Pacific art. “We’re one of the few galleries originating in the Pacific Islands with an international focus,” he explains. “Our mission is to amplify Pacific voices and bring their art to global audiences.”
One of the gallery’s proudest moments came in 2022, when Mahiriki Tangaroa became the first Cook Islands artist to exhibit at the prestigious Venice Biennale. “It was historic,” reflects Ben.
In 2018, the gallery expanded to a second branch on Ponsonby Road, strengthening its connection to New Zealand while showcasing Pacific art to a broader audience. “Auckland has allowed us to build a bridge between cultures,” Ben says. “It’s been a privilege to share the stories of Pacific artists with the world.”
Growing Up Gay in the Cook Islands
Ben’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a gay man raised in a conservative Pacific nation, he has experienced the complexities of navigating identity in a society rooted in tradition.
“Growing up, being straight was considered the ideal,” Ben shares. “Any deviation from that was frowned upon. There was—and still is—a perception that being gay is synonymous with cross-dressing or overt femininity, which has roots in Polynesian culture.”
While Ben personally felt supported by his family and community, he acknowledges that many LGBTQ+ youth in the Cook Islands face significant obstacles. “There’s still a fear of being ostracised or rejected by family,” he says. “Many young people feel they have to hide who they are, which is heartbreaking.”
2023’s decriminalisation of homosexuality in the Cook Islands has been a monumental step forward. “It’s a massive societal shift,” Ben says. “It reflects the dedication of groups like Pride Cook Islands and Te Tiare Association, who have worked tirelessly to promote inclusivity and education.”
The Cook Islands as Home
Despite its challenges, the Cook Islands remain a place of belonging for Ben and his partner Luke. “Cook Islanders are incredibly inclusive,” he says. “If you’re part of the community, you’re part of it—full stop.”
This spirit of inclusivity is evident in one of Ben’s favourite memories: competing in the Cook Islands’ prestigious Dancer of the Year competition. “I made it to the finals a couple of times, even though I’m 100% white and not Cook Islands Māori,” he shares. “That’s the beauty of life here—cultural boundaries dissolve, and participation is celebrated.”
Ben believes that this openness extends to all aspects of Cook Islands life. “It’s an incredible place,” he says. “The culture, the people, the natural beauty—it’s a privilege to call it home.”
The Future of Pacific Art
As the Bergman Gallery continues to grow, Ben remains committed to its mission of showcasing Pacific art on the global stage. “Art is a powerful tool for storytelling,” he says. “It challenges stereotypes, sparks dialogue, and celebrates the richness of our region.”
Looking ahead, Ben is optimistic about the future of both the gallery and the Cook Islands. “The decriminalisation of homosexuality and the growing recognition of Pacific art are signs of progress,” he says. “We have a long way to go, but the momentum is there. It’s an exciting time to be part of this journey.”
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