The Niuean Cook Islands Community & Friends Inc. are gearing for an extravagant Live Local Music Festival tomorrow night Thursday 11 January, at 6pm at the Ngatangiia Matavera Clubhouse in Muri.

Over 200 Niuean’s live on Rarotonga, and funds raised from this event will be steered towards their proposed new two storey 400sqm Fale Niue project.

The fale will be built in Tupapa on land gifted by Meleaoni Tumii (nee Tangi) and her late brother John Tangi.

Sisi Short, a committee member of the organisation said: “We are very excited to building our very own fale which will be nearby a medical centre, the Auditorium and to town.

“The community can look forward to a fantastic local music event, so come along and support us and reminisce to old Māori songs.”

The night will feature local artists including: Jarome Pare, Viani Tixier, Henry Taripo, Kutia Tuteru, France, DJ Dougie Boy, MC Elvis, Tina Koronui, and Mann Short who will also be launching his new album ‘Purotu No Avaiki’ that will be available to buy for $15.

A food stall will have cooked meals for sale and the bar will be open.

The Niue community will also be selling tickets for their bonanza raffle, more details will be released at the event.

Short said currently the Niuean Cook Islands Community & Friends have approximately $91,000 in their account, and $5,281.38 in their Fundraising Account.

Last year, the Premier of Niue, Dalton Tagelagi on behalf of the Government of Niue donated $50,000 towards the fale project.

Short said they are appreciative and thankful for the kind donation from Niue.

In November 2023, the Niue Cook Islands community hosted Premier Tagelagi and his delegation during the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum.

Members of their Executive Committee are: President – Iro Rangi, Vice President - Meleoni Tumii, Secretary - Kimi Turuibewa, Treasurer – Tepaeru Kokaua Hagai, committee members – Sisi Short, Paul Lynch, Trevor Pitt, Mann Short (building Manager) and Mata Nooroa.

Pre-sold tickets are $20, contact Sisi Short on 52881 or Alana Short on 73525.

Short would like to acknowledge the sponsors from: Muri Beach Hotel – Liana Scott, Koka Lagoon – Serena Hunter, Pacific Divers – Steve Lyons, Ngatangiia Member of Parliament – Tukaka Ama, Matavera Member of Parliament – Vaitoti Tupa, Tina & Co.