The Cook Islands take on Switzerland

KIA ORANA!

This August, the drums of the Cook Islands will echo through the streets of Fribourg, Switzerland!

Te Au O Tama'aru Dance Group is a South Auckland-based Cook Islands cultural group dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing our heritage through music, dance, drumming, and storytelling.

From 13th August to 26th August, our delegation of 27 members, ranging in age from 15 to 78 years old, will represent the Cook Islands at the 51st International Festival of Folklore in Fribourg Switzerland; one of the world's premier celebrations of traditional culture.

Throughout the week long festival, we will perform alongside delegations from across the globe, sharing the stories, rhythms, and traditions that have shaped our Cook Islands people for generations.

As the only Pacific delegation attending this year's festival, we carry more than costumes and instruments - we carry the privilege of representing our homeland, our Pacific cousins, and our South Auckland community on the world stage. In a corner of the world where Pacific cultures are rarely experienced firsthand, this is an opportunity to build understanding, celebrate diversity, and showcase the richness of Cook Islands culture 🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰