From the Waikato to Rarotonga: Small-town dancers ready for Cook Islands’ biggest stage

For three young Cook Islands dancers from small-town Aotearoa, Rarotonga is not just a destination - it is the biggest stage of their lives so far.

Te Mire Ura Nui, the Cook Islands International Dancer of the Year competition, brings together some of the best solo performers in the region for a high-level showcase of culture and tradition.

Taking place on 28-29 May at the National Auditorium | Te Are Karioi Nui in Rarotonga, this prestigious event awards traditional dance, costume design, drumming, and storytelling at its highest level.

Representing Team Waikato, Taua Precious Bennion-Natua, Jaya Metuatini-Utanga, and Terae Bennion-Natua Siulepa will take the stage for Oire Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) and Oire Tokoroa.

Carrying the pride of Aitutaki, Manihiki, Rakahanga, and Rarotonga islands, the trio joined PMN Cook Islands to talk about what the journey means to them.

“I am very excited,” Bennion-Natua says. “Mainly to get the opportunity to be on a big stage in front of my home. Also to meet everyone, to get to know each other, and to level up on my dancing as well.”

When reflecting on their artistic influences, the trio credits their close maternal figures, aunties, and iconic community performers who passed down the grace, technique, and discipline required to keep their dance culture alive.

However, reaching the “Olympics of Cook Islands dancing” has demanded immense sacrifice.

The group admits that preparing for the intense showcase has been gruelling, yet they remain entirely driven to step into the arena with confidence.

“For me…it is a struggle,” Metuatini-Utanga says. “It's never going to be that easy, but if you put the work in, you might get the treats at the end.

“Mainly, it's just to build up my confidence as well, that's the main part. I can't wait to hit the stage.”

For Siulepa, the competition is all about showcasing pride for his small hometown.

"I just want to go up on that stage, show them what I can do being from [Tokoroa]. Mainly just showing people what I'm capable of,” he says.

The dancers and their creative teams landed in Rarotonga last weekend.

They hope their journey inspires the next generation of aspiring competitors to embrace their roots. Metuatini-Utanga offers fierce advice for anyone hesitant to put themselves out there.

“Don't worry about what others think of you. It's all about yourself. You're doing it for yourself, you're doing it for your people, your family and your home,” she says.

Echoing that sentiment, Bennion-Natua urges young people to seize the moment and recognise how rare it is for regional diaspora communities to compete on such a grand scale.

“We're just so lucky to have a small town like Tokoroa and a town like Kirikiriroa to be able to go to Rarotonga to compete because it may not happen again,” Bennion-Natua says. “Push whatever your heart desires to do.”

Backed by an unwavering support system, Team Waikato say they are focused on giving everything on stage and representing their communities with pride.

Te Mire Uira Nui 2026 | International Dancer of the Year takes place on 28-29 May at the National Auditorium Te Are Karioi Nui.

Tickets and livestream are available for purchase here.