Cook Islands dancers get fully funded path to Rarotonga competition

For decades, Cook Islands dancers in Aotearoa have had to fund their own way to Rarotonga, often covering flights, costumes, and travel costs out of their own pockets just to compete.

This year, that has changed.

Two Auckland dancers, Satiri Tele Joe and Titaina Kiria, will travel fully funded to represent Team Akarana at the 2026 Te Mire Ura Nui International Dancer of the Year competition.

The event, known as the "Champions of Champions" for Cook Islands dance, brings together top performers from across the Pacific and global diaspora to compete for the title.

While the prestigious event has run for just over a decade, iterations began gaining prominence in the 1980s.

For Team Akarana, 2026 marks a shift towards a more professional setup, with full support covering return airfares, costumes, accommodation, and travel allowance for the first time.

Group coordinator Kura Strickland says the change removes a major barrier that has long held dancers back.

“It’s definitely been a while,” Strickland tells PMN Cook Islands.

“Back in the day, it [was] financially stressful, mentally stressful. I feel like they’ve got a good head start to just go and compete.”

Watch the full interview with Kura Strickland, Tele Joe, and Titaina Kiria below.

The new structure was led by community leader and cultural advocate Rahui Tautape Samson, who introduced a “closed-door mini audition” process designed to mirror the pressure of the main stage.

Without a public audience, dancers were pushed to focus fully on performance and judges.

“It’s a challenge for our dancers to really lock in and they’ve got nowhere to run. It’s just the four judges that they’re looking at.”

For the winners, Joe and Kiria, the opportunity carries pressure and pride.

Twenty-year-old Joe, who only began competing in 2024, has traded a casual hobby for a rigorous fitness regime.

“Every morning I’ll go for a run and just go to the gym,” he says.

Kiria says the journey is about more than a trophy. She carries the pride of her island roots - Rakahanga, Manihiki, Aitutaki, Atiu, and Mangaia - with her.

“It's not only for the both of us,” she says. “I think it's most beneficial for the upcoming generations.

“I feel that having the ability and the resources to go and perform, knowing that it's funded for, opens more doors than just us having a go on the stage and experiencing what the stage feels like.”

In a social media post, Samson thanked the participants and supporters who helped bring the project to life.

“A heartfelt thank you to all our competitors who stepped forward to showcase their talents. You all performed beautifully and represented our culture with pride.

“Shoutout to ADT for coming through as our drummers, your support uplifts and empowers the next generation of Cook Islands culture.”

Te Mira Ura Nui International Dancer of the Year 2026 kicks off 28 May. Photo/Facebook

Team Akarana will head to Rarotonga later this month, supported by sponsors including MaxCare Medical Centre, Rehab Rarotonga, Te Tuareka O Manurewa, Ivanui Pacific, Hupahupa with Tautape Dance Academy, and Samson Squad Official.

Team Akarana sets the gold standard for caring for their competitive performers while keeping the culture alive.

“Very proud regardless, win or lose,” Strickland says, “The culture always wins.”

Te Mire Ura Nui | Dancer of the Year 2026 runs throughout May at the Cook Islands National Auditorium in Rarotonga, with the international category taking place on 28-29 May.