Entertainment
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.
Award-winning photographer’s work recognised globally again
Monday 21 August 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Award-winning photographer and turtle tour operator Charlotte Piho has had her work recognised globally again.
Reigniting the love of opera
Saturday 19 August 2023 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Bank of the Cook Islands (BCI) Opera in Rarotonga is set to return for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic next month.
Elvis fans to celebrate the ‘King of Rock and Roll’
Friday 18 August 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Elvis tribute artist Paul Lynch (Napa) has dusted off his attire and lost a few kilograms in preparation for the Elvis Presley Tribute event this Saturday.
Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa hits the stage next month
Friday 18 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the pinnacle of Cook Islands cultural performance, has been influential in fostering the cultural identity of Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2019.
Saving the best for last!
Monday 7 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The annual Te Maeva Nui festival, in showcasing the nation’s unique culture, also provided a platform for friendly competition, and top performances.
Te Maeva Nui awards recognise dedication and hard work of participating teams
Monday 7 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The vibrant and culturally significant Te Maeva Nui festival, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions, reached its peak on Thursday – the last night of performances – at Te Are Karioi Nui National Auditorium.
Te Maeva Nui brings out the best in cultural performances
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The thrilling and absolutely spectacular ura pau (drum dance) by Te Fuinga o Niva, the combined Manihiki and Rakahanga team, demonstrated that Te Maeva Nui brings out the best and biggest cultural performances.
A day of pride, unity and reflection
Saturday 5 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
In a joyous display of national pride, the Cook Islands celebrated its 58th anniversary of self-government in free association with Aotearoa New Zealand, established on August 4, 1965.
Celebrating cultural diversity
Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Kapa haka groups from Aotearoa New Zealand joined by local Kiribati, Filipino and Indonesian communities illuminated Te Maeva Nui International Night.
Kapa haka group returns to Cook Islands to heal and give thanks
Thursday 3 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
On Tuesday night, the 2023 Te Maeva Nui International Night stage witnessed a deeply moving tribute by Aotearoa New Zealand kapa haka group Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao as they paid homage to their beloved leader, Sally-Ann “Hereana” Roberts, who tragically passed away during last year’s festival.
