Art
Cultural clash at FestPAC: Respected female carver excluded due to gender protocol
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Features, Local, National, Pacific Islands, Regional
A respected female Cook Islands carver, Awhitia Tavioni, was excluded from the official carving area at the 13th Pacific Arts Festival and Culture in Hawai’i due to a local kapu (rule) against women carvers, sparking a debate about cultural protocols and gender equality.
Bataillard shares gift of traditional massage at Festival of Pacific Arts
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
When her daughter Tepaeru was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Tekura Nancy Bataillard found herself searching for and discovering through her own personal journey the healing mana of natural remedies and traditional massage.
‘Strengthen our culture … Not cut and paste from New Zealand’
Tuesday 11 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, National
“Strengthen our culture” was the message of the 19-year-old Cook Islander Nicolea Mateariki at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) Young Pacific Leaders sessions in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
‘We heard the call, we came’: Cook Islands delegation electrifies audience at FestPAC
Saturday 8 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A spirit of unity and deep emotional pride in celebrating the unique cultures of the Pacific permeated the air at the opening ceremony of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii on Thursday night. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
Cook Islands joins Pacific nations in exhilarating FestPAC opening ceremony
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, got off to an exhilarating start with Cook Islands and other Pacific nations showcasing their vibrant culture on stage last night.
Warm welcome for Marumaru Atua crew as FestPAC opens in Hawai’i
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Thousands gathered at Mokapu in Kāneʻohe Bay yesterday morning for the Waʻa Ceremony, which kicked off the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) from June 6-16 in Hawaii.
Cook Islands community in Hawaii thrilled to reconnect with delegation
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Entertainment, Features, National
The Cook Islands community in Hawai’i is enjoying the cherished opportunity to reconnect with families and friends, while also making new connections with the visiting Cook Islands delegation. Melina Etches reports from Honolulu.
‘We’re step ahead of everybody’ Cook Islands leads race to host 2032 FestPAC
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is one of the two countries that has submitted its bid to host the 2032 Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC). Melina Etches reports from Honolulu, Hawaii.
Cook Islands performers gear up for FestPAC debut in Hawai’i
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
After months of intense rehearsals, the Cook Islands National Arts Theatre (CINAT) performers are “really excited” to showcase their culture at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) in Hawaii.
Spectacular send-off: CINAT wows crowd with FestPAC performances
Tuesday 4 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Rarotonga residents got a sneak peek of Team Cook Islands’ performances for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) during a special fundraising event at the National Auditorium on Friday night.
‘We want to show the rest of the world who we are’
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sense of anticipation and cultural pride is amongst the Cook Islands delegation as they prepare to depart Rarotonga tomorrow evening for Honolulu, Hawaii. for the highly acclaimed 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) to be held from June 6-16.
Local students participate in Chinese comp
Saturday 1 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Education, Features, National
A Chinese Bridge Competition held at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Islands Campus this week saw students participating in Chinese language and proficiency and discussing their understanding of the Chinese culture.
Cook Islands unveils stunning uniforms for FestPAC
Friday 31 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
With just two more sleeps until their departure, the 160-strong Cook Islands delegation to Honolulu, Hawai’i for the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture (FestPAC) is making final arrangements for the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders.
Children’s author sparks elemental shift in Cook Islands Māori
Thursday 30 May 2024 | Written by Alana Musselle | Published in Art, Features
A children’s book author is working to introduce new words into the Cook Islands Māori language, which if successful will make the Cook Islands the first Pasifika nation to expand their language into sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology.
Team Cook Islands prepares for FestPAC with fundraising concert
Wednesday 29 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
Cook Islands is sending a 160-member delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture in Hawaii, with a fundraising concert and official send-off planned before their departure.
Atiu Tīvaivai Exhibit showcases generations of craft and culture
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Culture, Features, Go Local, Local, National, Outer Islands
An exhibit in Atiu showcases the traditional craft of tivaivai, hand-stitched quilts made by women, with efforts to keep the art alive amongst younger generations.
Highland Paradise Competition fights to keep traditions alive
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Art, Culture, Education, Features, Food, Go Local, National
Apii Arorangi was crowned the overall winners of the 2024 Highland Paradise Cultural Competition held on Thursday.
Senior dancers captivate audience with spectacular performances
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Entertainment, Features
A sensational performance by the talented Te Mire Ura Senior dancers on Thursday night left the over 1000-strong audience awestruck.
A feast for the eyes: Umukai transports viewers to the Cook Islands
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Art, Features
Three walls of paintings, Bergman Gallery at the Aotearoa Art Fair was a multiplicity of colours, forms, practices and voices that told stories from across the Pacific region, writes Rachel Smith.
A sea of opportunity: Mitiaro native sails on voyage of self-discovery
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features
A Cook Islander living in New Zealand has joined the crew of Vaka Marumaru Atua on its 25-day voyage to Hawaii to participate in the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture and learn from master navigator Captain Peia Patai.
