Entertainment
Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park on tonight
Thursday 14 December 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Local, National
School pupils will be bolstering volunteer numbers at Rarotonga’s annual Christmas at the Park this year as the island community comes together to support the more than $7000 event.
Spreading festive cheer on Rarotonga
Saturday 9 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
The Tropical Christmas Committee is pleased with the activities of the festive period which continues today with the Santa on Tour from 8.30am to 11.30am, starting at CITC Supermarket to the Punanga Nui Market and through town.
From Manchester to Rarotonga: Global grooves unite in feel-good December concert
Wednesday 6 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The amazing cello and accordion duo will be gracing the stage tonight, bringing a delightful blend of folk, pop, and even some stripped-back pop punk tunes to a ‘feel-good’ December concert at Tamarind House in Tupapa.
Trader Jacks ‘party central’ for Vaka Eiva
Friday 24 November 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features, Food
Trader Jacks is “looking forward” to hosting Vaka Eiva competitors again as the Cook Islands’ premier outrigger canoe international regatta returns to Avarua Wharf for the first time in four years. With three-and-a-half hours added to opening time, a freshly-painted car park boosting ambulance access, and plans to cater for 500 people on closing night – the Rarotonga restaurant and bar is anticipating “a very busy week”, director Chris Douglas said.
Journalist recounts Stranded Pearl experience
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands journalist Tiana Haxton gives her account of working on a full-length feature film, shot in Rarotonga.
Stranded Pearl ready to shine on the big screen
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Entertainment, Features
After months of perfecting, the makers of feature film Stranded Pearl are ready to release the Cook Islands shot and produced movie, set to premiere at the Empire Cinema on Thursday next week.
A taste of Cook Islands at Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity Pavilion
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
The pride and flavour of Cook Islands will be on show at the Pacific Partnerships for Prosperity (PPfP) Pavilion, showcasing the work of 55 registered food and crafts vendors and exhibitors, at the Punanga Nui Market next week.
Last minute touches as leaders prepare to meet
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Thousands of people are anticipated to converge on the National Auditorium (Are Kariori Nui) over the coming week, with months of planning and preparation behind the scenes.
Uproar: A heart-warming, heart-wrenching coming-of-age story
Saturday 28 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
As the credits rolled on the Cook Islands premiere of New Zealand feature film Uproar on Tuesday night, a packed Empire Theatre erupted in applause.
Artists wanted for 2024 Hawaii Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture
Wednesday 25 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Next year the world's largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders is to make a spectacular re-appearance at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) which will convene in Honolulu, Hawaii, 6–16 June 2024.
Cook Islands documentary ‘Taonga’ continues to wow global film festivals
Monday 23 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Taonga, a short documentary film about Cook Islands artist and activist Mike Tavioni, directed and produced by local filmmaker Glenda Tuaine, has been screened worldwide and most recently at the Hawaii International Film Festival.
Rarotonga-based filmmaker brings his latest film ‘home’
Wednesday 18 October 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
The co-writer and co-director of New Zealand feature film Uproar was in the middle of making the comedy-drama when he decided to move to the tropical Cook Islands.
The magic of music: Dame Kiri Jeanette Claire Te Kanawa attends Opera in Rarotonga
Monday 16 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The audience was entertained by operatic Arias, classics and contemporary, “trying to get everyone on the edge of their seats and to have fun.”
‘Our culture is deeply ingrained within us, and it is our responsibility to hold onto it’
Saturday 14 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
One of the biggest and most vibrant Cook Islands cultural festival in the world – Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand – thundered to a close at the Trust Arena in Auckland, New Zealand, late last month. This year’s biennial event which had over 1500 performers saw some first timers who shared their experience with senior journalist Melina Etches.
Exciting Opera Trio
Wednesday 11 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Opera in Rarotonga, talented and powerful Pacific trio, have arrived thrilled and ready to showcase a repertoire of opera classics, Pacific Imene, Waiata and contemporary songs over two nights this week - Friday and Saturday.
Opera in Rarotonga returning with unique Pacific flavour
Thursday 5 October 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A unique and captivating musical experience is set to unfold on Rarotonga next week celebrating Pacific and contemporary songs in the timeless art form of opera.
‘The guy with the golden voice’
Sunday 24 September 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
A Cook Islander known as the ‘guy with the golden voice’ was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Pacific Music Awards for his contributions to the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Miss New Zealand to return to Raro
Tuesday 29 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features
Newly crowned Miss New Zealand Georgia Waddington is looking forward to returning to Rarotonga.
Retro disco invites Rarotonga to ‘strut your stuff’
Friday 25 August 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
The twist, electric slide, and other moves of yesteryear will be dominating the dance floor once again for the latest retro disco with Rarotonga’s Vinyl Revival Club.
Cook Islanders receive Stars of Oceania Award
Wednesday 23 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands very own marine biologist and environment warrior Dr Teina Rongo marked another milestone achievement on Monday night as he received the Global Moana Climate and Environmental Impact Award at the 2023 Stars of Oceania Award.
