Art
Cook Islands unveils stunning uniforms for FestPAC
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With just two more sleeps until their departure, the 160-strong Cook Islands delegation to Honolulu, Hawai’i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is making final arrangements for the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders.
Children’s author sparks elemental shift in Cook Islands Māori
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features
A children’s book author is working to introduce new words into the Cook Islands Māori language, which if successful will make the Cook Islands the first Pasifika nation to expand their language into sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology.
Team Cook Islands prepares for FestPAC with fundraising concert
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is sending a 160-member delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawaii, with a fundraising concert and official send-off planned before their departure.
Atiu Tīvaivai Exhibit showcases generations of craft and culture
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Outer Islands
An exhibit in Atiu showcases the traditional craft of tivaivai, hand-stitched quilts made by women, with efforts to keep the art alive amongst younger generations.
Highland Paradise Competition fights to keep traditions alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Apii Arorangi was crowned the overall winners of the 2024 Highland Paradise Cultural Competition held on Thursday.
Senior dancers captivate audience with spectacular performances
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sensational performance by the talented Te Mire Ura Senior dancers on Thursday night left the over 1000-strong audience awestruck.
A feast for the eyes: Umukai transports viewers to the Cook Islands
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Three walls of paintings, Bergman Gallery at the Aotearoa Art Fair was a multiplicity of colours, forms, practices and voices that told stories from across the Pacific region, writes Rachel Smith.
A sea of opportunity: Mitiaro native sails on voyage of self-discovery
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islander living in New Zealand has joined the crew of Vaka Marumaru Atua on its 25-day voyage to Hawaii to participate in the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture and learn from master navigator Captain Peia Patai.
Vaka Marumaru Atua crew embarks on cultural voyage to Hawaii
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
After a week of waiting for fair winds to lead them on their way, the Vaka Marumaru Atua crew was farewelled at Avarua wharf yesterday morning at 8am by family, friends, and Kōrero O Te `Ōrau organisation.
Sew good! Vaimaanga women keep tradition alive while making a living
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Business, Features, Local, National
Selling tie-dye bed sheets or pareu is not only a source of income, but also a way of keeping the art of hand printing or tie-dye alive for young mothers and older women.
Film Raro2 returns to empower storytellers
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga is set to host a digital capacity-building and filmmaking project called Film Raro2.
Family passion fuels Mateariki
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year competition continue this week with the senior division competitors, aged 17 and over, hitting the dance floor on Thursday, May 9, at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium), from 6pm.
Young dancers steal the show at Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year comp
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A group of exceptionally talented Potiki kids took centre stage at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium on Thursday night, charming the delighted audience with their awe-inspiring performances.
Following in dad’s footsteps: Tamaiti-Phareily ready for Te Mire Ura debut
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.
Cook Islands vaka to set sail for Festpac 2024 in Hawaii
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Cook Islands traditional canoe Vaka Marumaru Atua will set sail for Hawaii next week to participate in the 2024 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (Festpac 2024) in Honolulu in June. Cook Islands Voyaging Society explains the country’s long history of sending vaka (voyaging canoes) to the regional cultural event.
Local dancers take centre stage in WiRepa’s show stopping designs
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Weekend
In a stunning display of creativity and style, acclaimed Aotearoa New Zealand/Cook Islands fashion designer Kharl-William WiRepa revealed his first fashion show on the island.
Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.
Anuanua Festival marks historic shift towards equality in the Cook Islands
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of decriminalising same-sex relations with an art exhibition and speeches that highlighted the progress made towards a more inclusive society.
Tikotikoca wins Anuanua Wearable Art Piece Competition
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Quincy Tikotikoca won the first-placing award in the 2024 Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition for her stunning gown modelled by Kelera Ratu.
Anuanua Festival kicks off with dazzling wearable art competition
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a fusion of art, fashion, and innovation, the dazzling Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition took centre stage this week, captivating the judges and audience with its exceptional display of creativity and skill.
