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.

“For me, participating in Te Mire Atu for the first time is about using this platform to emphasise the importance of trusting and obeying God’s calling in our lives.”

Ngatamariki has chosen Teinakore Riki, also from Aitutaki, to sing her composition. They are both looking forward to tonight’s event.

Tonight, a panel made up of 10 new and experienced songwriters will be celebrating their respective original Cook Islands Maori compositions in the revered Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development annual event in partnership with The Edgewater Resort.

The lyrics of each song presented in the competition must be in Cook Islands Māori – Ei au tuatua Māori Kuki ’Airani anake to te ’imene.

Only one song will be permitted per composer, and either the composer or a singer of the composer’s choice is eligible to sing the composition.

The judges for Te Mire Atu 2024 are: Tuaine “Katu” Teiti, Henry Ahfoo Taripo, Teata Moeara and Rangi Henry.

Te Mire Atu 2024 composers in order of appearance for tonight’s event are: Pastor Kapao Kapao – Rarotonga/Enua Manu; Pastor Ngarima George – Punanga Nui; Kairua Mataio – Rakahanga; Sarah Frederick – Nukuroa; Corina Mose Ngatamariki – Araura, singer Teinakore Riki; Junior Ravarua – Pukapuka/Oire Nikao, singer – Anjima Ravarua; Lawrencia William – Manihiki; Lotiola Mateariki – Akatokamanava; Thomas Peyroux – Rarotonga, singer Tina Herman; Saro Rasmussen – Puaikura/Tongareva.

Limited seats are available for the dinner meals. For inside dining with a meal and the live performances, tickets are $75. For seaside dining with a meal and the show on the big screen, tickets are $50.

Tickets are selling at Tauranga Vananga (Museum) phone 20725, as well as at The Edgewater Resort.