Delightful and talented Terā-'itirere-ki-Avaiki Rongo affectionately known as “Mama Rā,” won the 2024 Cook Islands Has Talent final competition on Saturday night.

Rongo’s strong harmonious voice captivated the audience and judges alike as she delivered a performance showcasing her vocal abilities and stage presence.

“I was very surprised because the others did really well,” said Rongo.

In a humbling act of generosity, Rongo

Rongo who dedicated her chosen song “Rise UP” – the Morissette Amon's cover version, to her father Dr Teina Rongo, chose to donate her cash prize of $3000 back to Sisi Short, the organiser for the construction of their Fale Niue Hostel project.

Talking about the song, Rongo said: “It’s a song I’ve been practicing for a while. I dedicated this song to my dad and others who are fighting to protect the ocean. This song is for people to Rise Up and protect the ocean.

“For us, for me, and for the future generations to be good Ocean Ancestors.”

Rongo is looking forward to recording her first song with her $5000 Heimana Music recording voucher that was also part of her prize.

Sisi Short expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Rongo for returning the winning cash prize to support the Fale Niue project.

Runner-up in the event was Hewett Napa who won $2000 as well as a $5000 Heimana Music recording prize.

Talented and groovy Hewett Napa claimed runner-up in the 2024 Cook Islands Has Talent competition. MELINA ETCHES/240922826 or 24092837

In third place were the Up Down Kutia’s Ukarere Team - Derek Doherty, Ariki Enoka, Maria-Grace Tepaeru Dashwood and Kalani Pearman, winning $1500 and a $5000 Heimana Music recording.

The wonderful Up Down Kutia’s Ukarere Team won third place in the 2024 Cook Islands Has Talent competition. MELINA ETCHES/24092830

The other contestants were awarded consolation prizes.

Judges on the night were Sisi Short, Tupa Tupa, Mona Taio and Paul Lynch and emcee Teherenui Koteka.

The Fale Niue project fundraising event was held at the Staircase bar.