Atiu’s spectacular performances and creative costumes helped the southern group island’s dancing troops clean sweep the top awards in Te Maeva Nui 2022 cultural festival.

The group’s outstanding performances wowed the huge crowd which gathered at the National Auditorium on Friday night for the final show from each of the 11 teams.

The performances focused on the Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Culture) 2022 theme – “Te Au Vairakau Tupuna O Toku Matakeinanga, the Traditional Medicine of my Community/Island”.

Rakahanga Enua’s lively Ute performance got the crowd roaring in support and appreciation especially of the Mamas entertaining with their energetic dance moves.

The theme for next year’s Tauranga Vananga 2023 cultural events is “Te Tumu Tapura - Te Au Manu Puapinga O Toku Matakeinanga E Toku Enua, The Important Animals and Birds of our Tribe and My Island”.

The Costume, Kapa Rima and Ura Pa’u results are as follows. Costumes Sections for the Kapa Rima and Ura Pa’u: 1^st Atiu/Enuamanu $3000 sponsored by CITC (Total of $6000), 2^nd Tupapa-Maraerenga $2000 sponsored by CITC, 3^rd Vaka Takitumu $1000 sponsored by CITC.