Entertainment
Warm welcome for Marumaru Atua crew as FestPAC opens in Hawai’i
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Thousands gathered at Mokapu in Kāneʻohe Bay yesterday morning for the Waʻa Ceremony, which kicked off the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16 in Hawaii.
Cook Islands community in Hawaii thrilled to reconnect with delegation
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Cook Islands community in Hawai’i is enjoying the cherished opportunity to reconnect with families and friends, while also making new connections with the visiting Cook Islands delegation. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
‘We’re step ahead of everybody’ Cook Islands leads race to host 2032 FestPAC
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is one of the two countries that has submitted its bid to host the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Melina Etches reports from Honolulu, Hawaii.
Cook Islands performers gear up for FestPAC debut in Hawai’i
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
After months of intense rehearsals, the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performers are “really excited” to showcase their culture at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawaii.
Spectacular send-off: CINAT wows crowd with FestPAC performances
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga residents got a sneak peek of Team Cook Islands’ performances for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) during a special fundraising event at the National Auditorium on Friday night.
Aloha! Cook Islands delegation arrives in Hawaii for FestPAC 2024
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The 160-member Cook Islands team has arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii, ready to participate in the upcoming 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16.
‘We want to show the rest of the world who we are’
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sense of anticipation and cultural pride is amongst the Cook Islands delegation as they prepare to depart Rarotonga tomorrow evening for Honolulu, Hawaii. for the highly acclaimed 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to be held from June 6-16.
Cook Islands unveils stunning uniforms for FestPAC
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With just two more sleeps until their departure, the 160-strong Cook Islands delegation to Honolulu, Hawai’i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is making final arrangements for the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders.
Team Cook Islands prepares for FestPAC with fundraising concert
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is sending a 160-member delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawaii, with a fundraising concert and official send-off planned before their departure.
The return of the champions
Monday 27 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tauranga Vananga’s Te Mire Ura dance extravaganza for the Expatriates, Experts, Golden Oldies, and Masters divisions yet again delighted the audience over the weekend in the grand finale of the annual series of individual competitions.
Expatriate dancer returns to defend Te Mire Ura title
Tuesday 21 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The highly anticipated popular Tauranga Vananga (Ministry of Cultural Development) Te Mire Ura dance competition for the Expatriates, Experts, Golden Oldies, and Masters divisions will hit the Rehab Nightclub stage this Friday.
Senior dancers captivate audience with spectacular performances
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sensational performance by the talented Te Mire Ura Senior dancers on Thursday night left the over 1000-strong audience awestruck.
Breaking barriers in filmmaking: Award winning director creates first Pacific film in sign language
Thursday 9 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
In an important milestone for the Pacific film industry, local filmmaker Glenda Tuaine has been awarded a prestigious fellowship funding from the Pacific Islanders in Communications (PIC) to create her latest short film, ‘Deaf Girl Dancing’. Melina Etches reports.
Film Raro2 returns to empower storytellers
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga is set to host a digital capacity-building and filmmaking project called Film Raro2.
Family passion fuels Mateariki
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year competition continue this week with the senior division competitors, aged 17 and over, hitting the dance floor on Thursday, May 9, at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium), from 6pm.
Young dancers steal the show at Te Mire Ura Dancer of the Year comp
Saturday 4 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A group of exceptionally talented Potiki kids took centre stage at Te Are Karioi National Auditorium on Thursday night, charming the delighted audience with their awe-inspiring performances.
Local dancers take centre stage in WiRepa’s show stopping designs
Saturday 27 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Weekend
In a stunning display of creativity and style, acclaimed Aotearoa New Zealand/Cook Islands fashion designer Kharl-William WiRepa revealed his first fashion show on the island.
Out and proud: Miss Thunderhips shines in celebration of diversity
Monday 22 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a celebration of Anuanua Week’s talent, diversity, and inclusivity, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips competition took centre stage on Friday night featuring LGBTQ+ contestants, who showcased their talents captivating the enthusiastic full-house audience.
Anuanua Festival marks historic shift towards equality in the Cook Islands
Monday 15 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands celebrated the first anniversary of decriminalising same-sex relations with an art exhibition and speeches that highlighted the progress made towards a more inclusive society.
Anuanua Festival kicks off with dazzling wearable art competition
Saturday 13 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a fusion of art, fashion, and innovation, the dazzling Anuanua Wearable Art Piece competition took centre stage this week, captivating the judges and audience with its exceptional display of creativity and skill.
