Piritau Nga champions cultural heritage through powerful performance

To read this article in Cook Islands Māori, click here.

Champion Cook Islands dancer Piritau Nga emphasises the importance of language and culture through his art.

He performed at this year’s Te Mire Ura Competition, where his captivating routine aimed to convey a profound message rather than just focusing on the competitive aspect.

‘’Our traditions are being blown away into thin air,” he reflected, drawing from the theme, “To tatou Peu te peke nei ki te matangi.’’

Piritau, the senior men’s category winner, says, "I'm just hoping that the message gets out to the Cook Islands. I guess for me right now, the message is way more important than just winning.”

“I'd rather spread the message than see our culture die. At the end of the day, culture wins, so let's hope it survives.”

The Journey

Piritau and his brother, Edward Nga, entered the competition unexpectedly after being signed up by their uncle.

Their initial trip back to Rarotonga was to celebrate their father’s 60th birthday, but it turned into an opportunity for the competition, which took place just days after the celebration on 1 May.

As soon as they learned about their entity, the brothers knew they wanted to deliver a vital message about the importance of language and culture, which they feel is fading away.

“Before the competition, we looked at each other and were like, we have to go and give the message out. We just wanted to give the message about the importance of language and culture because, he says, it's fading right before our eyes.

Watch Piritau Nga's full interview on PMN Cooks below.

“So I told my brother, maybe we just go in there to give a message and do our best. I wasn't really expecting anything like this for both of us.”

The inspiration

Growing up, the Nga brothers were deeply immersed in their language and culture.

But, after moving to New Zealand for athletics and education, they faced the challenges of being in an unfamiliar environment as they witnessed the decline of their language.

Statistics from UNESCO Oceania reveal that among the 80,532 people of Cook Islands heritage living in New Zealand, only nine per cent are fluent in the Cook Islands Māori language, also known as Kūki’ Āirani, which is considered endangered.

‘’While I was in New Zealand studying, I noticed in school, in uni, that New Zealand and the Cook Islands languages are one of the weakest languages in the Pacific,” he says.

Te Mire Ura 2025 Senior dance competition contestants group shot. Front left Paige Taio. Nicol Tiaore, Piritau Nga Jnr, Tamaiva Mateariki. Back left Rickharn Iro, Teariki Mahitu, Zoe Hoff, Edward. Photo/Supplied

“For me, being a Cook Islander from back home, I think that hit me, seeing that our language is most likely fading away, and I wanted to base my theme on that.’’

His performance resonated with audiences worldwide, especially within the diaspora community.

Viewers on Instagram shared their reactions, with comments like, ‘This story is strong, scary and sad. Too good Piritau Nga,’ and another summed up the sentiment with, ‘Not many pe’e will stick with you. This one hits you; you can tell a lot of heart went into this whole performance/composition. Well done.’

After a successful Te Mire Ura Campaign, Piritau remains in disbelief over the outcome. Currently in New Zealand, he is preparing for the upcoming mini games in Palau, where he and his brother will represent the Cook Islands in track and field.

He hopes his performance has inspired others to take pride in their language and culture.

Te Mire Ura 2025 Senior results.

Female category: Best Slow Beat - Nicol Tiaore. Best Fast Beat - Nicol Tiaore. Best Costume - Paige Taio. Overall champion 1st Place - Nicol Tiaore, 2nd place - Paige Taio, 3rd place - Zoe Hoff. Consolation - Teitiraukura Ngaoire.

Male category: Best Slow Beat - Piritau Nga. Best Fast Beat - Piritau Nga. Best Costume - Akai Tuakeu. Overall, the champions were 1st place Piritau Nga, 2nd place Tamaiva Mateariki, and 3rd place Edward Nga. Consolation - Teariki Mahitu, Rickahn Iro, and Akai Tuakeu.