Entertainment
Cook Islands girls take on the world
Friday 20 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
An inspiring group of young women are making their way on an exciting journey to Athens, Greece, to participate in the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.
‘Golden ei’ buzzer puts four through to Cook Islands Has Talent Final
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Four talented performing acts from the semi-finals of the Cook Islands Has Talent show have secured their spots in the grand finale, which will take place next Saturday, September 28.
14 contestants vying for $3000 top prize in Cook Islands Has Talent
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The stage of the Cook Islands Has Talent show will come alive this Saturday with incredible voices and performances as contestants battle in the semifinals, each bringing their unique vocals, flair and passion to the spotlight.
Powerful vocals and dazzling performances at Cook Islands Has Talent
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Big vocals hitting high notes and radiating great confidence captivated the audience at the “Cook Islands Has Talent” stage on Saturday night.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
Youth showcase talents and creativity at biennial market day
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Over 100 primary school and college students from Rarotonga showcased their talents and creative skills at a market day to celebrate the International Youth Day on Friday.
Record nominations for Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards, voting opens today
Monday 19 August 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Tourism, Weekend
Cook Islands Tourism yesterday announced the finalists for the 2024 Cook Islands People’s Choice Awards (PCA), celebrating excellence in the tourism industry and the wider community.
Cook Islands to celebrate 60 years with extended festivities
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Government has started planning for the country’s big celebration of the 60th Constitution Day next year, including the budget. The celebration is expected to be slightly longer than this year’s event.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
Journey of Pacific Mothers comes to Rarotonga screen
Friday 9 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, Health, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A locally shot documentary feature film exploring the importance of women’s birthing choices through the stories of Pacific mothers reclaiming indigenous practices premieres in Rarotonga tomorrow.
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.
