Culture
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.
Maori King here for Te Maeva Nui celebrations
Thursday 29 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National
Wednesday's rainy weather did not dampen the smiles of the New Zealand Maori King Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, his wife Makau Ariki Atawhai and family members who arrived in Rarotonga yesterday afternoon.
Palmerston aiming for ‘A grade’ performance at Te Maeva Nui
Wednesday 28 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
Caroline Marsters says she is proud to represent her home island of Palmerston for the first time at this week's Te Maeva Nui festival.
Te Maeva Nui to kick start with float parade on Friday
Tuesday 27 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
A mix of marchers, performers and decorative floats will parade through town on Friday for the opening of Te Maeva Nui 2021 festival.
Celebrating indigenous artists
Monday 26 July 2021 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Culture, National
Sharing, collaborating, and appreciating the art of indigenous Cook Islanders is the idea behind the Toki Cook Islands Indigenous Artist gatherings which was initiated by painter and photographer Shane Andrew and national treasure Michael Tavioni.
Rongomatane Ariki crowned in a peaceful ceremony
Tuesday 20 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
A crowd of 500 witnessed the akamarokura’anga (investiture) of Nicholas Paenui Te-iti Nicholls as the new Rongomatane Ariki of Atiu.
Rongomatane Ariki investiture underway
Monday 19 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
The people of Atiu gather again today for the akamarokura’anga (investiture) of Nicholas Paenui Te-iti Nicholls as Rongomatane Ariki.
Rarotonga gears up for Te Maeva Nui festival
Thursday 15 July 2021 | Written by Caleb Fotheringham | Published in Culture, National
Ngatuaine Maui from the Ministry of Cultural Development says there’s pent-up excitement for this year’s Te Maeva Nui festivities after the event was cancelled last year due to Covid-19.
Battle for traditional titles disappoint Tou Ariki
Friday 2 July 2021 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, National
President of the House of Ariki Kaumaiti Nui Tou Ariki has expressed his deep disappointment at the battles and double investitures of the same Ariki titles that have occurred recently.
