Celebrated New Zealand artist and “artivist” Moana Maniapoto (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) will take centre stage as the master of ceremonies at the upcoming Ribbons of Hope: Early Detection Ball.

Renowned for her energy and creativity, Maniapoto is set to deliver an unforgettable experience at the ball, scheduled for Saturday, November 30, at the Ngatangiia Rugby Grounds.

Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) president Jaewynn McKay shared her excitement about Maniapoto’s involvement, saying, “We put the call out, and as always, Moana put her hand up to help us out. We are immensely appreciative that she will be our MC for the night.”

The fundraiser ball for breast cancer awareness, is more than just a glitzy evening—it’s a vital reminder of the importance of early detection in saving lives.

With Maniapoto at the helm, guests can expect an inspiring night of music, storytelling, and community spirit.

Maniapoto’s sixth studio album, Ono, a collection of six songs in collaboration with indigenous female artists, has been making waves, entering the top ten albums in both the independent music NZ charts and the Aotearoa music charts.

Her single Aio Ana, performed to an audience of 200,000 at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and broadcast to millions globally, showcases her ability to connect audiences worldwide.

Her band, Moana & the Tribe, has captivated audiences on international stages from the Sydney Opera House to the Montreux Jazz Festival.

With music that blends haka-funk-dub with messages of Indigenous resilience, Maniapoto’s work is both a celebration of her Māori roots and a powerful platform for activism.

Her achievements extend beyond music. In journalism, Maniapoto fronted a current affairs show on Māori Television, winning the supreme award at the 2020 Ngā Kupu Ora Māori Journalism Awards, along with best current affairs series at the Voyager Media Awards in 2021 and 2022.

This year, she was recognised with The Tohu Kairangi Award for excellence in storytelling that honours mātauranga Māori.

The Ribbons of Hope: Early Detection Ball will be a night of entertainment, education, and solidarity. Individual tickets are $150, while tables of 10 are available for $1500, with VIP tables priced at $2000, which include additional perks.

With only 250 tickets available, McKay encourages the community to act quickly, adding, “This event isn’t just about a night of glitz and glamour—it’s about standing together for the health and future of our women, mothers, daughters, and friends.”

Tickets include an arrival drink, dinner, and a memorable night of entertainment led by the legendary Moana Maniapoto.