Entertainment
Diaspora dismayed over lack of Te Maeva Nui livestream
Thursday 8 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The decision not to livestream the annual Te Maeva Nui festival due to copyright concerns has sparked widespread disappointment among the Cook Islands diaspora and those in remote areas.
Everyone is a winner, says Culture
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The organisers of Te Maeva Nui 2024 have clarified the results of the prize giving on Sunday following reports that a specific team had won and been named champions.
Thousands flock to witness Te Maeva Nui’s best, empty seats mar closing night
Wednesday 7 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.
Te Maeva Nui: A journey through time and tradition
Saturday 3 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The combination of powerful drumming and dancing, dazzling vibrant costumes, thrilling performances and non-stop energy on stage is creating a mesmerising spectacle at the 2024 Te Maeva Nui held at the National Auditorium.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
Te Maeva Nui leaves lasting impression on visitors
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
The opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui 2024 has left a great impression on most of the visitors who got to witness the uniqueness of the Cook Islands culture.
Emo Aito Māori race adds spice to annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Hundreds gathered at the Avarua Town Centre at midday yesterday to witness the spectacular start of the 59th Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, celebrating the Cook Islands’ self-governance.
Emo Aito Māori races to kick off Te Maeva Nui 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Te Emo Aito Māori fruit-carrying races will be held this afternoon following the official opening of Te Maeva Nui 2024 at 12.30pm at the Avarua Town Centre.
‘The greatest celebration’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Te Maeva Nui, as we know it today, is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture.
Star navigators to jet planes: From ancient voyagers to modern arrivals
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, National
The theme for this year’s Te Maeva Nui Festival is “Te au Tauranga Rongonui o taku enua/matakeinanga – The important ports of my island/tribe.”
‘Our culture reminds us of who we are and where we come from’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Kia Orana tatou katoa i te aroa kenakore o to tatou Atu. Te rekareka nei au ite akaaravei ia tatou na roto i teia tataanga; ia tatou e tapapa atu nei no teia tuatau akamaaraanga ite ivangauruanga ma iva mataiti na tatou rai tatou e akaaere.
Cultural groups gear up for spectacular Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The annual Te Maeva Nui is Cook Islands’ biggest and greatest cultural performing arts festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people in commemoration of the country’s self-governance in 1965.
‘Can’t help falling in love’ with this cause: Elvis tribute to raise funds
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Two Elvis impersonators from New Zealand will perform in the Cook Islands to celebrate a local Elvis artist’s 60th birthday and raise money for charity.
Tongareva to host string band competition
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.
Cultural revival at heart: Groups gear up for Te Maeva Nui showdown
Saturday 13 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With two weeks remaining until the highly anticipated Te Maeva Nui 2024, journalist Talaia Mika talks to two cultural groups who are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the annual national cultural event.
Atiu dancers gear up for Te Maeva Nui despite late start
Monday 8 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 2024 Te Maeva Nui Atiu cultural group is coming off strong with their preparations for the upcoming annual national cultural event.
String band battle closes Te 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Sounds of strings and song echoed through the Are Karioi Nui as six government department teams battled for the string band champion title, closing off Te ‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani. Apii Avarua’s vibrant string band team led by Principal Engia Baxter featured women and just one male singing their hearts out on […]
Eight teams gear up for annual Cook Islands’ cultural spectacle
Thursday 27 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s biggest and most prestigious cultural celebration of the country’s self-governance, is gearing up to hit the stage at the end of next month.
$250k FestPAC investment ‘money well spent’ on culture, says Kairua
Wednesday 26 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Cook Islands’ budget for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC), which wrapped up in Honolulu, Hawaii over a week ago, was around a quarter of a million dollars.
