Cook Islands: Te Maeva Nui opens with electrifying performances

By Melina Etches, Cook Islands News

The Manihiki Henua warrior women stormed the stage with their riveting pe’e. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches

The first night of Te Maeva Nui cultural performances set the stage ablaze with a stunning display of passion, tradition, and artistry, drawing loud cheers from a full house of over 2000 spectators at Te Are Karioi Nui (national auditorium) in Rarotonga.

The evening opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe'e. Their fierce energy and strength provided a fitting introduction to the rest of the night's vibrant cultural items.

From start to finish, the performances on Saturday (Sunday NZT) showcased exceptional choreography, creativity, and storytelling.

Te Maeva Nui cultural performances opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe’e, a fitting introduction for the rest of the cultural items on the first night of performances on Saturday. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches

The rhythmic kapa rima and pulsating ura pa'u captivated the crowd, while the spirited ute brought smiles as the younger performers danced with joy.

Outside the auditorium, the atmosphere was just as electric. The big screen under the domes attracted a packed audience, eager to witness the culmination of months of preparation, long hours of rehearsals, and meticulous costume-making.

Oire Nikao followed Manihiki with a ute, featuring young girls who danced and sang with infectious enthusiasm.

Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua with their powerful pe’e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches

Vaka Takitumu was next, presenting a kapa rima led by two singers, with a large team of talented young dancers in beautifully designed costumes.

A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took to the stage with a ura pa'u led by the men, while the women delivered a spirited and heartfelt performance.

Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua followed with their powerful pe'e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience and earned enthusiastic applause.

A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took the stage, led by the men in a ura pa'u performance that drew loud applause for its coordination.

Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their harmonious, well-choreographed kapa rima. Nicolea Mateariki (left) assisted with the choreography. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches

Nukuroa Enua Mitiaro then delivered a heartwarming ute, singing with such spirit that the audience couldn't help but cheer. Their lively closing antics on stage added a playful touch to the night.

One of the evening's highlights came from Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their kapa rima. Their trio of women - led by the vocals of Nicolea Mateariki -delivered a breathtaking opening song. Their harmonious chorus of voices from the entire team and graceful movements from the women, paired with strong male dancing, roused screams of appreciation from the audience.

Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight – was nothing short of electrifying delivering their ura pau. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches

The energy peaked as the finale by Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight - was nothing short of electrifying. Their vibrant ura pa'u shook the auditorium, with both men and women moving in perfect unison, earning thunderous applause and cheers.

The Atiu women, adorned in stunning costumes, mesmerised the audience with their graceful and skillful hip movements.

The cultural magic continues Tuesday (Monday, local time), with another round of spectacular performances kicking off at 7pm.