Nukutere College will mark its return to the CITC Pump the Beats – Te Emo’anga Tangi Kaara 2025 tonight in the Secondary Schools Drumming Challenge at the National Auditorium.

The annual event started with the primary school’s competition last night.

Nukutere College, with their 10 drummers, is prepared to rejoin and confidently deliver their drumming performance with high spirit.

According to George George, the marketing and promotions manager for Cook Islands Trading Corporation (CITC), the sponsor of the event, Nukutere College didn’t take part last year.

George says Nukutere College walked away with top prizes at previous years of the competition.

The Nukutere College drumming team under the guidance of master drummer, Tereora Pumati, has impressed George with their confident drumming skills.

Benjamin Patia, assistant principal and cultural lead at Nukutere College, shared with Cook Islands News the hard work and commitment with forming interested young drummers to showcase their drumming abilities at the annual competition.

Patia proudly said that many students were interested to represent their school at the Tangi Kaara competition.

He excitedly shared that the children’s desire to find an interest again in drumming has brought joy to the teachers of Nukutere.

Patia is grateful that these young drummers showed so much eagerness to learn, adapt and engage in local drumming, adding it’s important to strengthen their knowledge of the Cook Islands traditions.

“Ka inangaro to kotou tauturu, ka inangaro ia to kotou turuturu, no te mea a teia au mataiti ki mua ka inangaro rai au I ta tatou anau kia tomo akaou ki roto I teia au angaanga, mei teia, ka riro teia ei apii atu ia ratou, kia akamaroiroi ia ratou, kia akaketaketa i to ratou turanga no runga I ta tatou au peu, peu Maori Kuki Airani (We want your help, your support for our children, because for the years to come I want our children to participate again in these kinds of cultural events, as it will teach and strengthen their understanding of the Cook Islands Māori traditions).”

CITC and the Ministry of Cultural Development are pleased to have Nukutere College back on board.

According to George, the CITC Pump the Beats competition is a doorway for young drummers to show their skills and talents in drumming. It also offers schools the opportunity to showcase other talented drummers’ abilities.

George shared that CITC is passionate about supporting this competition and Cook Islands culture.