Ministry of Cultural Development Cook Islands

Beyond the Stage | Tunui Araka Mati

As we get closer to Te Mire Ura Nui 2026, we wanted to take a moment to share more than just the performances. Behind every costume, every rehearsal and every moment on stage is a person with a story, a family and a reason why they dance.

For many of our dancers, this journey is deeply personal - shaped by the people who raised them, the communities that support them and the traditions they carry proudly with them.

Through this series, we hope to give you a small glimpse into who they are beyond the stage and what this experience truly means to them.

This is only the beginning of the journey to Te Mire Ura Nui 2026, and we look forward to sharing many more stories and moments with you.

You saw him take out our National Te Mire Ura Seniors 2026 - now he's set to return to the stage for Te Mire Ura Nui 2026 - International Dancer of the Year

Join us for two unforgettable nights celebrating Cook Islands dance and culture:

📍 Thursday 28 May – Night 1: Ura Penu
📍 Friday 29 May – Night 2: Slow & Fast Beat

With 21 talented dancers competing for the coveted Te Mire Ura Nui title - including 16 international participants who qualified through regional competitions - this is set to be our biggest year yet.

🎟 Tickets and livestream access are available now: https://taurangavananga.com/international-dancer-of-the-year/

The dancers are arriving, rehearsals are underway and the excitement for Te Mire Ura Nui 2026 is building 🌺✨

Join us for TWO unforgettable nights celebrating culture, dance and entertainment:

📍 Thursday 28 May – Night 1: Ura Penu
📍 Friday 29 May – Night 2: Slow & Fast Beat

With 21 talented dancers competing for the coveted Te Mire Ura Nui title - including 16 international participants who qualified through regional competitions - this is set to be our biggest year yet.

🎟 Tickets & Livestream Access are now available for purchase:

https://taurangavananga.com/international-dancer-of-the-year/

Physical tickets are also available from the National Library.

E Avaiki Toku | Episode 8: Hon. George Maggie Angene, Minister of the Crown.

"No matter where I go, I will take my language with me."

The Honourable George Maggie speaks with the kind of conviction that stops you in your tracks. For him, our reo is not something to set aside, it is something to carry proudly into every room, every plane, every platform 🗣️🌺.

And what gives him hope? Our young people. He sees them uniting, holding onto their peu Māori, choosing culture, and it brings him joy.

"I see a great transformation. I can see a good way forward, a good omen for our culture, that the youth are holding onto."

🇨🇰Nominations take less than 2mins - Have you nominated someone yet?

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vkFur9F0Jb

Nominations for Te Tango Raumaire o Avaiki: The Cook Islands National Awards 2026 close 31 May at 4pm.