Temuera Morrison (Once Were Warriors) hosted an exciting night of musical entertainment at Te Korero Auditorium. The small, but enthusiastic crowd, clapped, danced and sang along with Tem as he belted out a medley of all time favourites. Well-known local artists, Eddie Wichman, Tani and Rose and Rudi Aquino, backed him. There were a lot of laughs when thrilling movie clips of Tem’s hair-raising exploits were shown on screen. After warming up the crowd with a dazzling performance, Tem introduced upcoming and talented college performers.
Helena Strickland gave a heart wrenching presentation as she played guitar and sang her own composition of life in her home island, Manihiki. Piritau Nga backed by his brother Sam on guitar dedicated his number to his Papa Rau Nga and grandmother, who passed away last week. This young lad, all of 14, brought the crowd to tears as he sang a tender farewell to Mama Miriama. The Harmony Bros showed huge personality and stage presence as they gave their rendition of well-known negro spirituals. A diminutive, budding Pavarotti, Ridge Ponini, was given a standing ovation as he sang O Sole Mio. What a wonderful voice, completely untrained as yet. Ridge is set to attend university in New Zealand to begin his musical training.
Mike Tavioni who organized the event, explained that he met Temuera on the set of the BBC production Tatou which was filmed locally as well as in New Zealand. Mike and Tem believe that neither the New Zealand Maori nor Cook Islands traditions were culturally portrayed correctly. After Tem read a couple of Mike’s stories, ‘The Stove’ and ‘Take me Home’, he suggested they work together and produce them into movies. Unfortunately due to the extremely poor attendance they will need to have a ‘fundraiser’ to pay for this ‘fundraiser’. They need a manager and events coordinator! 
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Helen says.....Life on a small island can be just as busy as in a big city, but I find it much more enjoyable. Archives
November 2015
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