’AVAIKI NUI SOCIAL

In the centre of Aotearoa, a gathering of musicians from across the fifteen islands of the Cook Islands will heat up the stage of the Michael Fowler Centre in Pōneke.

A collection of treasured musicians will bring their instruments to the stage – from the community halls, family homes, backyard gatherings and garage parties, this special night of Cook Islands String Bands tells the story of Te Moana Nui a Kiva. A story of Avaiki Nui, the beautiful Cook Islands.

For one night only, we journey across time and ocean to explore the history of Cook Islands string bands and the songs that have provided the soundtrack to moments throughout our lives.

‘Avaiki Nui Social features a handful of our most legendary musicians including Faipoto Aporo, Pania Apolo, Tupou Apolo, Jarome. Our musicians are joined by storytellers Tuaratini and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, filmmaker The Raro Dog, choreographer Te Hau Winitana and theatremakers Taungaroa Emile, Poe Tiare Tararo, Teherenui Koteka, Roy Iro and Mīria George.

The creativity of our people is in our blood – it is in the extraordinary and in the ordinary of our every day. Our creativity can be witnessed in our carving, weaving, painting – in our writing, composing and our performance. ‘Avaiki Nui Social celebrates the creativity of our musicians, of those who are born into the strings and whose lives have been fuelled by the music.

We have called upon our storytellers, our theatre makers to join us in creating an unforgettable night.

Creative Credits

THE WANDERERS

Faipoto Aporo, Pania Apolo, Tupou Aporo, Ngatoko Aporo, Jarome Pare, Isitolo Alesana

KABIN BREAD BOYZ

Putiani Junior Upoko, Teremoana Greig, Lindsay Junior Unuia, Anthony Rima

BROTHER LOVE

ARDIJAH

Ryan Monga, John Tali, Michael Hansen, Jesse Monga, Peter VanGent, Betty-Anne Monga, Ryan Kaitapu Monga

JAROME

Jarome Pare, Tupou Aporo, Jamie Mata’a

Takitua: Tuaratini

Scene Director: Taungaroa Emile
Choreographer: Te Hau Winitana

Cast: Taungaroa Emile, Poe Tiare Tararo, Teherenui Koteka, Roy Iro

Assistant Director: Poe Tiare Tararo
Production Director: Mīria George

Storywriters: Tuaratini and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama

Set Design by: Horrobin & Hodge
Lighting Design by: James Kearney

AV Design by: Delainy Kennedy of Artificial Imagination

Sound Design: Karnan Saba

Takitua Rakei: Mary Ama and Jarcinda Stowers-Ama

Costume: Sharon Johnstone, Creative Show Off Costume

Director of Photography: Elise Lanigan
Co-Producers: Mīria George, Ahi Karunaharan & Tanya Muagututi’a

Creative Producers: Tuaratini, Jarcinda Stowers-Ama, Mīria George

Image and Promotional Film by: Robert George, The Raro Dog

Communications and Marketing Manager: Stevie Greeks  

Festival Technical Director: Natasha James

Festival Technical Manager: James Kearney

General Manager: Dolina Wehipeihana

Executive Director: Mīria George 

Artistic Director & Chief Executive: Hone Kouka

Kia Mau Festival Trust: Pele Walker, Jim Moriarty, Tina McNicholas, Maia Wikaira

Stage Manager: Bridget Carpenter

Assistant Stage Managers: Olivia Cowley and Jessie Rochford-Barber

Stage and Backline Technician: Pos Mavaega

Sound Operator: Chris Gee

Associate Lighting Designer & Operator: Dan Wilson

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

Grouse Lighting, Western Audio, Illumination Optics, Go Media

Dates

10 June
7pm

Venue

Michael Fowler Centre
111 Wakefield Street
Te Aro
Wellington
michaelfowlercentre.com

Tickets

$45-$25 Full price

$30-$20 Concession

$25-$15 Group 6+

$30-$15 Student

$15-$10 Child