Art
Marae Moana art project creates more awareness
Tuesday 17 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Environment, Features, National
Aitutaki students have conveyed strong messages through “amazing art” pieces to signify the importance of ocean conservation and its environment.
The magic of music: Dame Kiri Jeanette Claire Te Kanawa attends Opera in Rarotonga
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The audience was entertained by operatic Arias, classics and contemporary, “trying to get everyone on the edge of their seats and to have fun.”
‘Our culture is deeply ingrained within us, and it is our responsibility to hold onto it’
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
One of the biggest and most vibrant Cook Islands cultural festival in the world – Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand – thundered to a close at the Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, late last month. This year’s biennial event which had over 1500 performers saw some first timers who shared their experience with senior journalist Melina Etches.
The Scottish kumete from Atiu via Tahiti
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features, Weekend
Standing in the middle of the Grand Gallery of the Edinburgh Museum is the largest kumete in the world. But how did it get there, asks Rod Dixon.
Exciting Opera Trio
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Opera in Rarotonga, talented and powerful Pacific trio, have arrived thrilled and ready to showcase a repertoire of opera classics, Pacific Imene, Waiata and contemporary songs over two nights this week - Friday and Saturday.
Our own version of the Grammys: Cook Islands community celebrates excellence at Te Tu Rangatira Awards
Saturday 7 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The biennial Te Tu Rangatira Awards 2023 showcased a remarkable display of talent and unity within the Cook Islands community in Aotearoa New Zealand, serving as a powerful representation of the outstanding achievements of individuals who are making a significant impact.
Opera in Rarotonga returning with unique Pacific flavour
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A unique and captivating musical experience is set to unfold on Rarotonga next week celebrating Pacific and contemporary songs in the timeless art form of opera.
Te Maeva Nui NZ a ‘raging success’
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features
The New Zealand Cook Island community came together over the past weekend to celebrate their culture, with the Te Maeva Nui Festival.
Autism art auction raises $12k
Wednesday 4 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The Autism Cook Islands (ACI) Takavekave Tatou Art Exhibition and Auction has raised $12,000 with a percentage of the funds going back to the student artists and to a charity of their choice, and to support the organisation’s pathways programme.
‘Journey – To tatou Kaveinga’ mural captures beauty and vibrancy of the Cook Islands
Tuesday 3 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A stunning mural capturing the beauty and vibrancy of the Cook Islands was unveiled at the Rarotonga International Airport on Friday, kicking off the Airport Authority upgrades and preparations for the 50th anniversary which will be celebrated in January next year.
'Whakaura' to connect Pasifika youth to their voyaging roots
Monday 2 October 2023 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Features
The National Library of New Zealand is hoping to connect Pasifika youth to their Polynesian voyaging history with the launch of an interactive education program. Tiana Haxton of RNZ reports.
Cook Islands cultural groups showcase their heritage at Te Maeva Nui NZ
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
The vibrant Atiu Enuamanu delivered a fantastic performance in the “ute” section on the first night of the biennial Te Maeva Nui New Zealand Cultural Festival at the Trust Arena in Auckland on Thursday (Cook Islands time).
Cook Islanders celebrate culture, heritage and identity in Aotearoa
Saturday 30 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Cook Islands culture thundered throughout the Trust Arena, Waitakere in Auckland, New Zealand, this week as Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand Charitable Trust proudly presented the third biennial Te Maeva Nui NZ performing arts festival of music and dance, arts and crafts of the Cook Islands.
Cook Islanders recognised by Pasifika Medical Association
Saturday 9 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Health, National
The 27th Annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) conference on Rarotonga (6-8 September) closed yesterday at Te Are Karioi Nui, and continues in Aitutaki on September 11.
Wheel of Fortune?: The‘revolutionary’ invention that was born on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 September 2023 | Written by Rod Dixon | Published in Art, Features, Memory Lane
For two decades Rarotonga was home to the inventor Henri Rey who partnered with local resident William McBirney to form the Rey Wheel Company of Detroit, Michigan. Story by Rod Dixon and Allan Tuara.
Students acknowledged for Tangi Kaara participation
Monday 4 September 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Education, Features, Local, National
Culture is the “heart” of the CITC (Cook Islands Trading Corporation), and for many years the company has sponsored numerous cultural activities and events.
Cook Islanders receive Stars of Oceania Award
Wednesday 23 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands very own marine biologist and environment warrior Dr Teina Rongo marked another milestone achievement on Monday night as he received the Global Moana Climate and Environmental Impact Award at the 2023 Stars of Oceania Award.
Award-winning photographer’s work recognised globally again
Monday 21 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Award-winning photographer and turtle tour operator Charlotte Piho has had her work recognised globally again.
Reigniting the love of opera
Saturday 19 August 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) Opera in Rarotonga is set to return for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic next month.
Elvis fans to celebrate the ‘King of Rock and Roll’
Friday 18 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Elvis tribute artist Paul Lynch (Napa) has dusted off his attire and lost a few kilograms in preparation for the Elvis Presley Tribute event this Saturday.
