A good crowd turned out to a celebration of song and dance at the National Auditorium on Sunday.

The Kīnura Tapunui Music Festival hosted by non-government organisation, Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau, provided a platform for young up-and-coming performers to showcase their talent through song and dance. 

Kīnura is the name for harp in the Cook Islands Māori Bible, and Tapunui refers to a state of being holy or sacred. 

Kīnura Tapunui Music Festival co-organiser Tuaine Papatua said it was a “special event”.

“We had about 200 to 300 come to see it. The standard of performances was very high, some of the younger ones had real presence,” Papatua said.

“Everyone was just blown away by the talent on show.”

A non-denominational Christian event, the festival was alcohol and smoke-free, and includes food vendors, the organisers said. Acts included ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango students, New Life Church, CICC Nikao, Papatua, Manava Ura, Talitha Horn, O-Hiva Williams, Filipino Community, Rongo sisters, and Reeana Aviu.