Entertainment
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.
Te Maeva Nui 2023: A celebration of ‘who we are and where we come from’
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
A small respectable crowd attended the official opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui – the 58th Cook Islands Constitution Celebrations – which marks the beginning of week-long events at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium).
First-timers Vaka Tereora ‘wows’ audience with heartfelt performance at Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 2 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The Vaka Tereora (Tereora College) team sang with pride and joy in the choir and imene tuki sections, delighting the audience at Te Maeva Nui official opening ceremony on Monday night.
58th Constitution Celebrations officially open
Tuesday 1 August 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 2023 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival got off to a spectacular start with the official opening ceremony which involved the lighting of Te Maeva Nui Flame by Prime Minister Mark Brown at the National Auditorium last night.
Globe-trotting juggler looking to make Cook Islands connection
Saturday 29 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A Brazilian juggler who has toured nearly 40 countries on his mission to take the circus to the remotest corners of the earth, hopes the Cook Islands will be his next stage.
Tauranga Vananga sponsors acknowledged
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development hosted the 2023 Te Maeva Nui Sponsors VIP Event at the Crown Beach Resort and Spa on Wednesday night.
Manihiki, Rakahanga combine forces
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Northern group islands Manihiki and Rakahanga are combining forces for this year’s Te Maeva Nui festival which starts on Monday at the National Auditorium.
Platinum sponsor extends support
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Vodafone Cook Islands has announced it will continue with its platinum sponsorship for Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s best and most popular cultural event of the year.
Te Maeva Nui – ‘the greatest celebration’
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Features, National
Quick Facts Month: July-August Venue: National Auditorium Duration: 10 days Layout: Mix Event Sponsorship Target: $100,000 - $200,000.
Pukapuka defies odds at Te Maeva Nui
Friday 28 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National, Outer Islands
Pukapuka Nassau will be hitting the stage at next week’s Te Maeva Nui culture festival with spirited “girl power”.
Bank continues as platinum sponsor of Te Maeva Nui
Friday 21 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Te Maeva Nui, the biggest cultural national festival which commemorates independence and celebrates our vibrant culture, has received another major support.
New Zealand beauty pageant winner set to visit Rarotonga
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Features
The newly crowned Miss New Zealand Georgia Waddington will be visiting Rarotonga later this month, and her host is hoping to capitalise on her wide social media following to promote the island destination.
Te Rito o Taku Peu Tupuna sponsor Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 19 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
For the first time, CIC Ltd & Te Rito O Taku Peu Tupuna have signed up as platinum sponsors ($15k plus) for Te Maeva Nui, the biggest and best national cultural event held each year to celebrate the August 4 birthday of the Cook Islands as an independent nation.
Film review : Te Mekameka o te Pa Maunga
Tuesday 11 July 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Features
The Empire Cinema had a full house for the premiere of the documentary Te Mekameka o te Pa Maunga on Saturday. By Jacki Crummer Brown.
Free flicks on offer for film buffs
Saturday 8 July 2023 | Written by Joanne Holden | Published in Entertainment, Features
A Cook Islander’s documentary about Rarotonga’s mountains will get screen time today while Aotearoa-grown films will be making their Cook Islands debut when a film festival celebrating Matariki hits the cinema next week.
Apii Avarua and Anau Maungaroa: Tangi Kaara champions
Monday 3 July 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
The captivating sounds of traditional drums in the ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023 drumming competition on Friday night, pounded through the filled Are Karioi (National Auditorium). Melina Etches was there.
Strumming and drumming in the Cook Islands
Saturday 1 July 2023 | Written by Matthew Littlewood | Published in Entertainment, Features
Australian singer-songwriter Bobby Alu has spent the past four weeks soaking up island life in Rarotonga. He talks to Cook Islands News journalist Matthew Littlewood about what he discovered during his stay.
Tangi Kaara beats tonight
Friday 30 June 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Features
Tonight, the vibrant sounds of drumming will reverberate through Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium) as schools from around the island gather for the eagerly awaited ‘CITC Pump the Beats’ Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2023 drumming competition.
