Culture
Gospel Day celebrations at Takamoa
Monday 25 October 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
This year the Rarotonga CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) Gospel Day will be hosted by the Nikao Ekalesia at the Takamoa ground tomorrow.
A sense of pride and joy
Friday 22 October 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cook Islands Council of Queensland (CICQ) has held a successful Te Maeva Nui festival earlier this month, featuring 450 performers who proudly celebrated and displayed Cook Islands culture in front of thousands.
Turua appointed Secretary of Cultural Development for third term
Wednesday 20 October 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Anthony Turua has been appointed the Secretary of Cultural Development for a third consecutive term.
Vainetini Ekalesia to exhibit tivaevae
Saturday 11 September 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
An exhibition will be held next week of intricately hand sewn tivaevae, pillows, cushions and other handicrafts made by the Rarotonga Vainetini Ekalesia of the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC).
NZ-born Cook Islands artist finds comfort in art
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Culture, National
New Zealand-born Cook Islands artist Sylvia Marsters has found inspiration in her own experience with depression as she prepares for her latest exhibition – Utopia – on Rarotonga.
Covid-19 fallout slices $200k off Constitution Week budget
Saturday 14 August 2021 | Written by Al Williams | Published in Culture, National
Covid-19 has had a significant financial impact on Te Maeva Nui celebrations held last week in Rarotonga.
Strengthening Maori connections through new cultural School
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Te Vananga Are Tapere o Takitumu – a new Cook Islands Maori Performing Arts Language and Cultural School – was launched on the first of this month at the Pa Ariki Palace in Takitumu.
Fresh blood on the vaka
Thursday 12 August 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Culture, National
Captain Deon Wong looks to keep up the momentum after Marumaru Atua’s recent return to Rarotonga from the Northern group voyage.
Aitutaki relies on ‘goodwill’ of the people
Tuesday 10 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National, Outer Islands
Aitutaki mayor Tekura Bishop and a small delegation from the island visited New Zealand recently to deliver the “kura” or message of invitation to the Aitutaki communities for major celebrations commencing in October this year.
Te Maeva Nui ends on a high
Friday 6 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The last night of Te Maeva Nui on Tuesday ended on a high on Tuesday with Vaka Puaikura’s impressive ura pau (drum dance).
Spirit of unity and pride
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Te Maeva Nui meaning ‘The Great Celebration’ is the pinnacle of Cook Islands culture that shows the true spirit of unity and pride. This was attested by the performances on the opening night on Monday.
A tribute to the people
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Cook Islands proudly celebrated the Constitution Day yesterday, marking the country’s 56 years of self-governance in true island style with drums, songs and dance.
Culture winner at Te Maeva Nui
Thursday 5 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The 2021 Te Maeva Nui cultural awards were presented to deserving winners during the Constitution Day celebrations at the National Auditorium yesterday.
Young and old rejoice in gospel songs
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Each of the participating Te Maeva Nui teams performed lively Tu’Anga Evangelia gospel songs on Sunday night, with some of the teams leading the way with female conductors.
Marumaru Atua returns from 48-day Taua e Moana voyage
Tuesday 3 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Sailing through good wind, rain and rough seas, Vaka Marumaru Atua returned safely to Rarotonga early yesterday morning, having successfully completed a 48-day Taua e Moana voyage to the Northern group islands.
International night shows unity in diversity
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Cultural diversity enhanced by vibrant colours, unusual costumes, dances and heartfelt performances, splashed across the National Auditorium stage on Saturday night.
NZ’s Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka wows local crowd
Monday 2 August 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The visiting New Zealand Maori Ngā Tūmanako Kapa Haka group lived up to expectations, wowing the audience during Te Maeva Nui International Night at the National Auditorium on Saturday.
Celebrating culture at Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 31 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Celebrating cultural diversity is an integral part of Te Maeva Nui festival. This evening at 7pm the International Night kicks off with performances from the local communities of Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Chinese, Samoa, Tonga and the Philippines.
Te Maeva Nui festival commences
Friday 30 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The official opening ceremony and float parade for Te Maeva Nui kicks off at Constitution Park Friday.
Te Maeva Nui teams learning from experience
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Teams participating in this year’s Te Maeva Nui festival are putting the finishing touches on their preparations ahead of the annual event which starts this weekend, reports Melina Etches.
