Entertainment
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.
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.
