Singing their hearts out

Fisherman Kirikavaka Tutavake showed off his musical talent strumming and singing away in the Nga Oire e Rua string band during the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club String Band competition on Saturday.

But it wasn’t enough, the Strings of Maute string band sang their hearts out and danced away with the first prize of $1000 cash.

Representing the island of Atiu, June Punua, the leader of the Strings of Maute family, said she was “overwhelmed and happy” to place first.

“We didn’t expect to win since we only had one rehearsal on Sunday, and we are also very thankful to our Aunty Rangi from Atiu (Rangi Tutaka-Tatuava) who composed the song Moana Nui for us,” said Punua.

Eight bands joined the event. The top three placings are: 1st – Strings of Maute $1000 - June Punua, Mareva Punua, Marc Punua, Rimamotu Tutaka, Sonia Rakei and Dan Taokia, 2^nd - Te Merio o te Moana $500, 3^rd placing - Nga Oire e Rua $300. Participating teams received consolation prizes of $100 each.