Atiu’s Te Maeva Nui cultural team is set and ready to hit the stage tonight in the Ura Pau category with a unique portrayal of the theme – “Te au Vairakau Tupuna o toku Matakeinanga/Enua or the Traditional Medicine of my Community/Island”.

Team leader Bob Williams said: “Our morale is high, we are ready.”

Williams is confident the team will perform to their best and represent Atiu with pride.

“We always strive to do our best in Te Maeva Nui, in the Ura Pau and Kapa Rima competition and the costume section,” said Williams.

Initially, like each of the Te Maeva Nui cultural groups Atiu did not have enough boys for the dance items, however, Williams was pleased to see more boys joining in to make up the team.

Atiu’s Kapa Rima (action song) is composed by Bob Williams, choreographed by Jane Rubena and Bob Williams, Ura Pau (drum dance) – Jane Rubena, Choir – Memory Vainerere and the Imene Tuki by Tangata Vainerere and Maara Williams.

Williams would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the Atiu community for the kind donations of food and support to help the team.

On Thursday, Atiu will perform in the Choir and Imene Tuki programme and finish off on Friday night with the Kapa Rima.