Season 4 | Episode 17 | Rangatahi celebrate 59 Years of Te Maeva Nui.

A Celebration of Culture 🌺
In July, Te Maeva Nui marked its 59th year, shining a spotlight on the next generation of cultural dancers and performers.
Rangatahi from Te Arawa made their debut as a united group on the international stage, bringing the festival’s theme, “The Passage of Your Vaka, Island, or Village,” to life. This theme served as a powerful reminder from the Cook Islands to performers and spectators alike about the importance of embracing culture, heritage, and a sense of belonging.
Among these performers was Zoe Hoff, the 2024 national Te Maeva Nui Dancer of the Year, representing Vaka Takitumu and Nukuroa Enua. Although born and raised in Aotearoa, Zoe made the life-changing decision at the beginning of the year to move to Rarotonga, fulfilling her lifelong passion and goal of dancing for her ancestral home.
Our team spoke with Zoe and Zeeah Waerea-Tamai about the preparation, dedication, and bonds forged through the shared art of dance.
Ohinga is a Māori-focused digital series for Rangatahi, exploring current affairs and events through their lens in Aotearoa and beyond. Join the conversation on our TikTok account @ohinga_nz or find us on Instagram @ohinganz.
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