Entertainment
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.
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.
