Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.

Island executive officer Puna Vano says the competition will be held on July 31 from 6.30pm and is open to anyone on the island as well as people from the other islands.

They can compete as a group or a family but must have at least a female or male in any of the groups of four or five.

Vano said the teams competing in this event must feature one of the three names in their presentation: Te Ava o Taruia or Sekerangi or Takuha. Additionally, all performances must feature a live band with instruments such as guitar, ukulele, and drums.

The judges are Apii Napa, Tepou Rau Ford, Reverend Michael Akava, Matara Akatapuria and Rangitava Taia.

Vano said they have secured sponsorships from Bank of the Cook Islands and Vodafone, but they are still seeking additional sponsors to contribute consolation prizes.

“Most records in Cook Islands are from Tongareva and we are fine tuning this talent for our people to continue the legacy.”

A Facebook page will be created for the competition, featuring a live stream for families abroad to watch.

Vano added last year they held a talent quest competition and this year they decided to hold a sting band competition.

He clarified this was not a campaign for the Island Government elections which will be held next month.