Culture
PM Brown, Cook Islands delegation pay their respects to Māori Kīngi Tūhetia
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Local, National, New Zealand, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown arrived at Tūrangawaewae Marae yesterday for the tangihanga (tangi) of Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the seventh Māori king, and to pay his respect to the Kīngitanga.
Woman fined for drunk driving
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, National
A woman who has been convicted and ordered to pay a fine of $218 for excess blood alcohol and careless driving charges has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
Cultural exchange fosters connections between Cook Islands and Hawai’i
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A delegation from environmental non-governmental organisation Kōrero o te 'Ōrau’s 'Ātui'anga ki te Tango (AKTT) young ambassadors have returned from an enriching successful cultural exchange experience in Hawai’i.
First-of-its-kind early childhood Māori learning centre founded
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, Features, Go Local, National
A pioneering early childhood learning centre, the first of its kind, has been established with a focus on immersing young children in Māori language and culture from a very early age.
Cook Islands to celebrate 60 years with extended festivities
Wednesday 14 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Government has started planning for the country’s big celebration of the 60th Constitution Day next year, including the budget. The celebration is expected to be slightly longer than this year’s event.
Cook Islands diaspora keeps culture alive in New Zealand
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand joyfully celebrated Te Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week with cultural performances and educational programmes across the country this week.
Winning costume sparks outrage
Saturday 10 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
A week after the 2024 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, controversy continues over Oire Tupapa Maraerenga’s winning costume, which was originally designed for the CINAT team. The Ministry of Cultural Development has dismissed claims of unfair advantage.
Tupapa Maraerenga crowned Te Maeva Nui 2024 champions
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National
The Tupapa Maraerenga Cultural Group emerged victorious as the winners of the 2024 Te Maeva Nui festival, held last week.
PM addresses water issues in Constitution Day speech
Tuesday 6 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands celebrated its 59th Constitution Day on Sunday, marked by remarkable milestones highlighting the country’s successful self-governance journey, while the Prime Minister addressed the current water tariff issue amidst global and regional turmoil.
Vibrant performances light up Te Maeva Nui
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
This year, seven groups representing different islands and districts of Rarotonga showcased their unique and captivating dances, chants and music, which have been passed down through generations.
Pukapuka Nassau make bold statement as dancers shake up the competition
Friday 2 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
Although their traditional dances are the pride of Pukapuka and Nassau, they have found that they often receive lower scores in the annual Te Maeva Nui festival when performing their cultural heritage.
Te Maeva Nui leaves lasting impression on visitors
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, National
The opening ceremony of Te Maeva Nui 2024 has left a great impression on most of the visitors who got to witness the uniqueness of the Cook Islands culture.
Emo Aito Māori race adds spice to annual Te Maeva Nui cultural festival
Wednesday 31 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Hundreds gathered at the Avarua Town Centre at midday yesterday to witness the spectacular start of the 59th Te Maeva Nui cultural festival, celebrating the Cook Islands’ self-governance.
Emo Aito Māori races to kick off Te Maeva Nui 2024
Tuesday 30 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Te Emo Aito Māori fruit-carrying races will be held this afternoon following the official opening of Te Maeva Nui 2024 at 12.30pm at the Avarua Town Centre.
‘The greatest celebration’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Te Maeva Nui, as we know it today, is the most important annual festival in the Cook Islands and the best time to experience all aspects of Cook Islands traditional and modern culture.
Star navigators to jet planes: From ancient voyagers to modern arrivals
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, Go Local, National
The theme for this year’s Te Maeva Nui Festival is “Te au Tauranga Rongonui o taku enua/matakeinanga – The important ports of my island/tribe.”
‘Our culture reminds us of who we are and where we come from’
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
Kia Orana tatou katoa i te aroa kenakore o to tatou Atu. Te rekareka nei au ite akaaravei ia tatou na roto i teia tataanga; ia tatou e tapapa atu nei no teia tuatau akamaaraanga ite ivangauruanga ma iva mataiti na tatou rai tatou e akaaere.
Cultural groups gear up for spectacular Te Maeva Nui
Saturday 27 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The annual Te Maeva Nui is Cook Islands’ biggest and greatest cultural performing arts festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people in commemoration of the country’s self-governance in 1965.
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki focuses on keeping traditional titles out of court
Saturday 6 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Features, National
Te Ra O Te Ui Ariki, a public holiday celebrated on the first Friday of July every year, pays tribute to the Ui Ariki, and Aronga Mana (traditional leaders) of the Cook Islands.
Clash of opinions on Cook Islands Māori language
Thursday 4 July 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Education, National
The Mapu Taurekareka O Nikao, Pa Enua, Rangiatea Matavera, and Vaka Puaikura teams presented vigorous ‘akatika’ (For) and pātoi (Against) sentiments in the 'Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani debate competition on Wednesday.
