Entertainment
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.
CINAT team having a blast in Hawaii, dismisses stranded rumours
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cultural expert and one of the team leaders of the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performing arts team, Mark Short says the team is fine and enjoying their time in Hawaii.
Cook Islands leaves lasting impression at FestPAC
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The lively iconic neighbourhood of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawai’i – a world-renowned tourist destination – played host to a celebration of the rich cultures of 27 Pasifika nations.
Tereora, Titikaveka vie for Tangi Ka’ara title
Friday 21 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
A group of enthusiastic Api’i Tuarua secondary school students will perform in tonight’s highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats Emo’anga Tangi Ka’ara Drumming Competition at the National Auditorium.
‘Miscommunication’ sparks confusion, Cook Islands delegation ‘not stranded’
Thursday 20 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Cook Islands delegation attending the FestPAC in Honolulu clarified that they are not stranded and are returning home in two groups due to pre-planned limited flight seat availability.
Cook Islands drum up excitement at FestPAC with captivating shows
Saturday 15 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The pulsating drums, magnificent performers, vibrant costumes and skilled artisans from Cook Islands are capturing crowds at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Honolulu, Hawai’i, with their captivating shows and highly crafted artistic skills.
Aunty Kura inspires young at FestPAC
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In Pacific dance and creative circles, Aunty Kura Taruia needs no introduction.
Ukulele maker’s act of kindness at FestPAC Hawai’i
Friday 14 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the vibrant energy of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) thrums through the streets of Honolulu, Ricky Adamu, the renowned ukulele maker, has his own story that extends beyond his exceptional craftsmanship.
Atiu artisan keeps traditional Ava art alive at FestPAC 2024
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Tereapii Ardmore Manu from the island of Atiu is embracing the traditional art of transforming the humble Ava (banyan) tree root bark into a stunning array of decorative and functional items.
Pacific traditional leaders sign Tuurama Ariki Declaration
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A historic meeting of traditional leaders has been a poignant moment at the 50th anniversary Pacific arts and culture festival in Hawai'i.
Chipping away at perfection: Cook Islands carvers captivate crowds at FestPAC
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Amidst the vibrant cultural performances and artistic demonstrations at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival in Honolulu, skilled carvers from the Cook Islands have set up their workspace under the shade of a large, fruit-bearing mango tree at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Unveiling of monuments marks emotional day at Mangaia Bicentennial
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
The unveiling of the monuments in Oneroa was the highlight of day three of the Mangaia Bicentennial Celebration on Monday.
FestPAC gathering strengthens Pacific identity
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
As the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) enters its second week, Cook Islands Consul General in Aotearoa New Zealand, Keu Mataroa, expresses his deep appreciation for the rich cultural artistry and talent showcased in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Pump the Beats returns with new format for 2024
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC) is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated CITC Pump the Beats – Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara Challenge for 2024.
Cultural clash at FestPAC: Respected female carver excluded due to gender protocol
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A respected female Cook Islands carver, Awhitia Tavioni, was excluded from the official carving area at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Hawai’i due to a local kapu (rule) against women carvers, sparking a debate about cultural protocols and gender equality.
Bataillard shares gift of traditional massage at Festival of Pacific Arts
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
When her daughter Tepaeru was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Tekura Nancy Bataillard found herself searching for and discovering through her own personal journey the healing mana of natural remedies and traditional massage.
‘We heard the call, we came’: Cook Islands delegation electrifies audience at FestPAC
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A spirit of unity and deep emotional pride in celebrating the unique cultures of the Pacific permeated the air at the opening ceremony of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday night. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
Cook Islands joins Pacific nations in exhilarating FestPAC opening ceremony
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, got off to an exhilarating start with Cook Islands and other Pacific nations showcasing their vibrant culture on stage last night.
