Te Pae Tai Nui Mire Atu composers competition will hit the stage this week with a line-up of 16 exceptional, talented Cook Islands Maori creatives and singers.

Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development will showcase the popular Te Mire Ura annual event tomorrow, Thursday, March 13, at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium, from 6pm.

The composers for this year’s event include 2024 champion Thomas Peyroux, Toka Toka, Sarah Frederick, Pastor Ngarima George, Saro Rasmussen, Tuaine Unuia, Lotiola Mateariki, Tereroa Pumati, Ruhau Tamaunu, Daniel Tutaka, Kathy George Nubono, Teata Moeara, Vaitoti Tupa, Kairua Mataio, Rio Teika and Henry Ah Foo Taripo.

They will be competing for over $20,000 in cash prizes.

Talented and experienced cultural composer Daniel Tutaka from Akatokamanava Mauke has arrived in Rarotonga to participate in the show for the first time.

Daniel first started composing songs over 10 years ago when Mauke’s ta’unga and historian Papa Mapu Taia was still around.  

He has been composing songs and music for his village’s Te Maeva Nui festival on his home island for many years.

Born and raised in Mauke to parents Lucy Vano and Tati Tutaka, the mayor of Mitiaro, Daniel is passionate about the culture and people of Mauke.

His song is about those who leave Mauke, and how their memories and thoughts will always return as they reminisce and yearn for their homeland.

Daniel’s song will be sung by Mareva Punua, who hails from Atiu.

“Te tumu i inangaro au i te tomo ki roto no te mea e tangata atu imene oki au,” Daniel said.

“Taku imene kua atu au tei reira ki runga rae i to tatou enua Akatokamanava, no toou inangaro i toou enua e mei te tuatau e ka tere e koe ki vao, kia vai e ma’ara’ara’anga na’au e manakonako anga naau e na tera ara’ara a te papa’a e… there’s no place like home.

“Me koe tetai Mauke, e oki atu koe ki Mauke.”

Two years ago, Daniel composed the song “Vaka Paikea”, which was recorded by Kutia Tuteru and sung by Elizabeth Pitomaki. This was his first song ever to be recorded.

He also created Mauke’s kapa rima for the 2023 Te Maeva Nui festival.

For the 2025 Te Maeva Nui 60^th self-government celebrations, Daniel will compose the ute and pe’e for Mauke, to be performed by the island’s residents. The Maukeans in Rarotonga will perform the rest of the cultural performances.

According to Daniel, the youth don’t appear to be interested in creating music, but he hopes to see more young people turn up to the rehearsals to learn and maybe have a go at creating their own songs.

He also noted: “When we sing even in church there are some not giving it their all … kare e heart.”

“Iaku rae ko ta te Atua rae teia tareni e oki mai.”

Secretary of Tauranga Vananga, Emile Kairua, said the event brings together a diverse range of genres and performances, creating an exciting atmosphere that highlights the depth of musical talent within our community.

This year, for the first time, the invitation was extended to Cook Islands artists residing overseas in celebration of the nation’s 60^th anniversary of self-governance.

“Be a part of this wonderful, cultural event, where music brings people together celebrating both tradition and innovation.”

Reserved tables will be available for $25 per seat, offering attendees the opportunity to purchase food from outside vendors and enjoy dinner inside while watching the show. Light refreshments will also be served. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 per child.