Entertainment
Pacific voices harmonise in Rarotonga
Wednesday 16 October 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, National
Against the alluring backdrop of sky and ocean blue, the Tamarind House lawn came alive with the incredible Opera in Rarotonga event, offering a unique fusion of combined artistry and nature, to local audience over the weekend.
Powerful vocals and dazzling performances at Cook Islands Has Talent
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Big vocals hitting high notes and radiating great confidence captivated the audience at the “Cook Islands Has Talent” stage on Saturday night.
‘A fair game for all’: No return to ranking at Te Maeva Nui, says Culture
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development has ruled out the possibility of reintroducing the ranking system for Te Maeva Nui unless all participating teams agree, citing concerns about fairness and the preservation of cultural diversity.
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 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.
‘Can’t help falling in love’ with this cause: Elvis tribute to raise funds
Tuesday 23 July 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Two Elvis impersonators from New Zealand will perform in the Cook Islands to celebrate a local Elvis artist’s 60th birthday and raise money for charity.
Tongareva to host string band competition
Saturday 20 July 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Outer Islands
Tongareva is hosting a string band competition themed on Te Maeva Nui and Ariki Day to remind the younger generation of the island its legacy.
CINAT team having a blast in Hawaii, dismisses stranded rumours
Saturday 22 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Cultural expert and one of the team leaders of the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performing arts team, Mark Short says the team is fine and enjoying their time in Hawaii.
PM Brown expresses optimism for Cook Islands’ 2032 FestPAC bid
Wednesday 19 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National, Parliament
Cook Islands government is keeping its fingers crossed as it awaits the decision of the Pacific Arts Council regarding the host of the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.
Cook Islands crafts fly off shelves at FestPAC, weavers replenish stocks
Monday 10 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
The Cook Islands huts at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) are proving popular, with most crafts selling out on Friday, the first day of the Festival Village at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu.
Following in dad’s footsteps: Tamaiti-Phareily ready for Te Mire Ura debut
Tuesday 30 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features, National
Captivated by the admiration he draws from his father, seven-year-old Tamaiti-Phareily Samson is participating in Te Mire Ura, Potiki (Junior) section culture competition on Thursday this week.
Akava’ine to take centre stage as Miss Thunderhips strikes back!
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
After a decade-long break, the electrifying Miss Thunderhips dance competition is back with a thunderous bang and taking to the stage tomorrow night at Te Are Kariori Domes for the Anuanua festival celebrations.
Aitutaki’s Ngatamariki ready for Te Mire Atu debut
Wednesday 27 March 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Culture, Entertainment, National
Corina Mose Ngatamariki from Aitutaki is “excited” to be competing in tonight’s Te Mire Atu composer’s competition at The Edgewater Resort for the first time.
Kuki Cre8tive students grill PM Brown on flag and favourites
Friday 12 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Kuki Cre8tive students were thrilled to have the opportunity to candidly interview Prime Minister Mark Brown yesterday, marking his first official appointment of the year.
Lights, camera, action! Young Cook Islanders craft TV show at creative camp
Thursday 11 January 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
Eighteen youth from the ages of eight through to 16 have booked into an intensive three-day camp for performing arts, dance and film television production at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia.
Dreaver’s decades of impact : Pacific journalist honoured in New Year awards
Saturday 30 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Entertainment, Features, Local, National
TVNZ’s Pacific correspondent and former Cook Islands News journalist Barbara Dreaver talks to Pacific Media Network’s Khalia Strong on three decades reporting on Pacific issues, and making her parents proud.
Christmas in the Park spreads joy
Friday 15 December 2023 | Written by Supplied | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Festive spirit and joy took over the National Auditorium last night as Leilani Sadaraka, along with her daughters Vaihere and Hinania, and niece Hereata, joined the crowd at the annual Rotaract Christmas in the Park event.
Mousing around town: Mickey and Minnie jingle all the way in Rarotonga
Friday 8 December 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Entertainment, Local, National
Disney’s beloved characters, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, brought cheer to the annual Tropical Christmas float parade yesterday, drawing a respectable crowd to the festive event.
