Art
Colourful mural bids farewell to Cook Islands departures
Friday 17 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
Passengers departing from the Cook Islands can now enjoy a magnificent mural adorned with bold and vibrant colours in the airport’s departure terminal.
Cook Islands community delivers ‘impressive setup and hospitality’ for 52nd PIF Leaders’ Meeting: A ‘very beautiful’ event
Saturday 11 November 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum, Weekend
Though leaders from the region did not agree on all the matters they discussed during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, there’s one thing no one disputes: the people of the Cook Islands staged a spectacular event, writes Rachel Reeves.
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
Seamstresses sew up a storm for Forum Meeting volunteers
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, Go Local, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting has brought a flurry of activity to the island’s seamstresses as they sew up a storm to diligently produce uniforms for the workers engaged in organising the Forum.
Last minute touches as leaders prepare to meet
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
Piho’s turtle bubble photo makes a splash in New Zealand
Friday 27 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Features
Award winning Cook Islands photographer Charlotte Piho has been recognised again for her stunning wildlife photography.
Artists wanted for 2024 Hawaii Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Next year the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders is to make a spectacular re-appearance at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, 6–16 June 2024.
Cooks photographer makes waves across the ocean
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Award-winning photographer and turtle tour operator Charlotte Piho has been selected to represent the Oceania region in the Middle East.
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).
