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 🇨🇰🇨🇰🇨🇰

LEADERSHIP TEAM:

• Anne Ulaula - HR/Administration
• Monique Terepo - Business Development Manager
• Penelope Emile - Creative Director
• Estaza Tavui Samuel - Executive & Finance
• Hasani Kavana - Drumming/Band Lead

Our leadership team previously had a 6th member, Moe Terei-Strickland who sadly gained his angel wings on the 17th of April, 2026. Since this devastating loss, our desire and motivation to represent our Cook Islands culture in Switzerland has only deepened.

OUR DANCERS:

• Ken Tinirau, Zellton Samuel, Kauvai Anguna, Tamatohia Heather, Boleyus Ropati, Yanazee Samuel, Agnes Henry, Grace Amataiti Williams, Icyss Nooroa & Secret Temu

OUR DRUMMERS:

• Phil George, Benny Abela, Christopher Tetonga, Rayman Nawa & Leigh Terepo

OUR VOCALISTS:

• Ben Samuel-Paniani, Poko Taiki, Lisa Iaveta, Ella Ben, Raumea-Cheyenne Anguna, Cecilia Mariri & Annie Tetonga

While many are New Zealand-born, all share a deep passion for Cook Islands culture and a commitment to preserving and promoting it. For most of our team, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel abroad as cultural ambassadors and proudly represent their heritage on the international stage.

International travel and cultural representation come with significant costs. We are fundraising to help cover:

• Return flights to Switzerland ($82,420 total; approximately $3,170 per person)
• Costume materials and resources (kiriau, dye, shells, pārau shells, rito, etc.)
• Group uniforms (materials and tailoring costs)
• Local travel within Switzerland outside of festival transport
• Venue hire for rehearsals and preparations

Every donation you make helps us to cover these costs.

Te Au O Tama'aru Dance Group is preparing to travel to Switzerland to represent the Cook Islands at the International Festival of Folklore in Fribourg, thanks to an invitation extended by Te Maeva Nui Charitable Trust and popular Pasifika soxial platform, Island Things.

Throughout the week, we will participate in cultural activities, performances across the city of Fribourg, and workshops with Swiss youth. We will also spend time with delegations from around the world, sharing our cultures while experiencing authentic Swiss hospitality through local host families.

Our team has been working to compile a specially curated repertoire of songs, dances, drum rhythms, and compositions that we believe best reflect the diversity, richness, and beauty of the people of the 15 islands of the Cooks.

Every song, costume, and story we share has been carefully crafted to honour our ancestors, celebrate our heritage, and showcase the true spirit of the Cook Islands to an international audience.

The impact of your donations extends far beyond our journey to Switzerland.

As a small nation with a rich cultural heritage, representing the Cook Islands at the International Festival of Folklore in Switzerland is both a privilege and a responsibility. It allows us to share our culture with audiences from around the world.

The experiences and knowledge we gain will be brought home and shared with our community through cultural leadership, mentorship, and service.

Your donations will help us represent the Cook Islands with pride while creating a lasting impact for our community, both at home and abroad. Join in to help us take our culture to Switzerland by making a donation today. 

Meitaki ma'ata (thank you)