Cook Islands composers living in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia will be invited to participate in the prestigious Te Mire Atu original Māori song composition event next year.

Emile Kairua, Secretary of Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development), made the special announcement in his closing remarks at last week’s Te Mire Atu event.

The 2024 event, which drew 10 composers representing their various islands, was held at The Edgewater Resort and Spa on Wednesday night.

Kairua said that next year also marks the country’s 60^th anniversary of self-governance. As a result, Tauranga Vananga is gearing up for bigger and bolder events in 2025.

Melissa Gosselin, general manager of The Edgewater Resort and Spa, and her team were acknowledged for their second year of hosting and sponsoring such a fantastic competition.

In her address, Gosselin expressed her great honour and pride that the resort could once again partner with Tauranga Vananga to support Te Mire Atu 2024.

“This event holds immense significance in preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Cook Islands,” said Gosselin. She added that this event was particularly special as the compositions highlighted the 50th-anniversary milestone for The Edgewater Resort and Spa.

“Over the course of the last 50 years, we have experienced many achievements and milestones (as well as challenges) but it would be remiss of me not to honour the support of our local community.”

Gosselin said their partnership with Tauranga Vananga in this esteemed competition underscored their deep commitment to nurturing talent within the community and preserving the art of song composition.

“For us, culture isn’t just a part of who we are; it is the very essence of our identity,” she said.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s more important than ever to hold steadfast to our roots, to honour the legacy of those who came before us, and to pave the way for the generations yet to come.

“Te Mire Atu serves as a platform for our people to showcase their talents, and a testament to the enduring spirit of our culture through the art of song composition. 

“It is song composition that forms the foundation to so much of our performing arts, and for this, Te Mire Atu is the ultimate celebration of this art.”

Gosselin said whilst celebrating the brilliance of the composers and the beauty of traditional songs, “let us also remember the responsibility that comes with preserving our cultural heritage”.

The Edgewater Resort and Spa pledges to continue supporting initiatives like Te Mire Atu, which not only recognise talent but also nurture it, ensuring that the cultural legacy remains vibrant and alive.

Gosselin extended her gratitude to Tauranga Vananga, the Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development, for their unwavering dedication to promoting cultural heritage.

To the participants, she said “may your compositions inspire future generations and serve as a testament to the enduring power of our culture. Tonight, the winner is our Cook Islands culture”.

Te Mire Atu 2024 Results

Overall winner - Thomas Peyroux ‘Katikatia’ (Singer - Tina Koronui), Runner up – Kairua Mataio ‘Ka hoki tatou’ (singer – Kairua Mataio), Third place – Junior Ruarau ‘Te Pae Tai Nui’ (singer – Anjima Ruarau). Consolation prizes: Pastor Kapao Kapao ‘Te Ora nei au I te Akakite – Te pae tai nui’ (singer – Aberahama Tauta), Pastor Ngarima George ‘Te ava o taku ui Tupuna’ (singer – Ngarima George), Sarah Fredrick Tereva ‘E lamepa’ (Singer – Sarah Fredrick Tereva), Corina Mose from Aitutaki ‘E tama e tu’ (singer – Teinakore Riki from Aitutaki), Lawrencia Williams ‘E toa no te moana’ (singer – Lawrencia  Williams), Lotiola Mateariki ‘Te Pae Tai Nui’ (Singer – Nicolea Mateariki), Saro Rasmussen ‘No te Hiri’ (singer – Saro Rasmussen).

Special Awards: Te Pae Tai (theme) – Junior Ruarau, Tauranga Vananga theme ‘Te Au Tauranga’ (Ports and Airports) - Pastor Ngarima George, Rito o te Reo (Best use of Māori words and phrases) – Thomas Peyroux, Best Lyrics – Thomas Peyroux, Best Presentation – Thomas Peyroux, Best Music Arrangement – Thomas Peyroux, Most Original song – Thomas Peyroux.