The opening night of the biennial Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival at Te Are Karioi Nui/National Auditorium on Wednesday did not disappoint, leaving the audience cheering in appreciation after every performance.

On Wednesday, Apii St. Joseph’s, Apii Rutaki, Apii Avarua, Apii Arorangi, Apii Nukutere and Apii Titikaveka delivered their cultural performances.

Apii Avarua started with a difference with a choir performance, “giving glory to God for bestowing upon us a beautiful paradise”, followed by an ute (celebratory song), depicting “the natural beauty of our nation”.

According to their script, in recognition of the Cook Islands’ unique heritage and foundations, the students performed a pe’e (chant) to captivate the essence of our fifteen islands.

Apii Avarua’s kapa rima (an action song) highlighted the beauty and charm of the Cook Islands, drawing many people from near and afar.

For their finale, Apii Avarua presented an ura pau (drum dance) based on “my paradise, may you flourish, a firm foundation for me and the future generations to come”.

Apii Avarua principal Engia Baxter, Pou Wuatai, Steven Hiro and Nga Tangimataiti composed the cultural numbers supported by their teachers.

“Kua akatinamouia te au peu akatutuanga, a te anau Apii Tuatai O Avarua, ki runga i te tumu tapura ngao no teia mataiti 2025.

“Kua akatuera atu te anau na roto i te imene pupu ei akapaapaanga i te Atua no te Ipukarea manea tana i oronga mai no tatou.

“Kua imene ratou mei te reo o te mangungu e te aruru o te tai. Tau aru ia mai te reira e te ute ei akaepaepa anga i te manea o to tatou Basileia.

“Akaari katoa mai te anau i ta ratou pe’e, ei akaparauanga na tatou i to tatou au kainga Ipukarea i roto i to tatou Basileia.

“Kua akaari atu te anau i ta ratou kapa rima no runga i te enua e te Ipukarea ruperupe, tei riro ei turotoanga na te Pa Enua. Ope atu te anau na roto i ta ratou ura pau navenave, taku Ipukarea kia vai ruperupe.”

The Rarotonga Schools Culture Festival concluded last night.