TE VAKA PRODUCTIONS, INC.
Polynesian Entertainment at its Very Best
Te Vaka is a canoe, which is prominent in our Polynesian culture. Like our ancestors, we have journeyed far to experience with you our respective island culture. With roots in the Cook Islands, we bring to you our drumming, singing, chanting, and dancing, that not only entertains, but perpetuates our Polynesian culture in its truest form. Come take a Polynesian journey with Te Vaka Productions.
In August, 2000, Terry Joseph made a journey in a Te Vaka from Auckland, New Zealand to New Caladenia which is hundreds of miles on the open sea. It takes approximately two weeks to complete this trip depending on the weather. It takes great stamina to travel in this manner and it was after this trip that Terry and Lisia Joseph decided to form this dancing troupe.
O Kiva Nui represents “A Journey from Beyond.” The Polynesian people traveled only with canoes and a journey was a great undertaking. This is why we chose these names for our group as they have this special meaning to the Cook Island people and the Josephs.
Our Motto
A journey with spirit,
Going forth,
Never looking back,
Seeking the new,
Remembering the past
While building the future.
Te Vaka Productions takes pride in hiring only the best of the best Polynesian Performers. O Kiva Nui shows are made up of a combination of male and female dancers who are extremely fit. We play authentic live Polynesian music with hypnotic beating drums. Our shows are fast paced and include authentic hand-made costumes and hand-carved drums. We tailor and design our own costumes and we coordinate our shows to meet your specific needs.
Te Vaka Productions has traveled widely, performed for dignitaries, had bookings in Las Vegas, been on television, had engagements at some of Houston’s finer night clubs and restaurants, have had several dates at Kemah Boardwalk, played at charitable events, performed at Moody Gardens, and other various events.
TERRY T. JOSEPH
Kia Orana,
I was born in Rarotonga, Cook Islands and began learning music and dance as a very young boy. When I was older, I turned professional and became top dancer and entertainer in the Cook Islands. I have traveled and performed in Australia, New Zealand Fiji, Tahiti, New Caladenia, American Samoa, Western Samoa, England, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, USA, and other parts of the world. I now live in Houston, Texas, am married, and have two children. In 2001, I began forming Te Vaka Productions, Inc. which presents the O Kiva Nui Dance Troupe. O Kiva Nui is now performing all around Houston and the USA. Meitaki Maata.
LINDA PORIO
Kia Orana,
My Family originates from the Cook Islands. I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand where I learned the Cook Island culture. I have traveled as a professional Polynesian dancer to Spain, France, USA, and all over New Zealand. I enjoy meeting new people and learning different cultures. In the future, I plan to attend a University to complete my education. Kia Manuia.
PATRICE TEMANU
Kia Orana,
I am a native of Aitutaki, Cook Islands where I learned the Polynesian dance, the fire/knife dance, and coconut husking with my teeth. I began dancing at a very early age and performed in many competitions. I am one of the top dancers in the South Pacific. I have performed in Fiji, Mexico, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other parts of the world. I enjoy traveling and performing for different cultures and audiences. Aerera.
HENRY TUPOU
Kia Orana,
My family descends from the Cook Islands, but I was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand. I am eighteen years old and really enjoy performing for audiences. I am a professional musician who plays the drums, the ukulele, the guitar, and also sing. While I was a member of the Dream Lovers Band, we traveled and performed in Tahiti, Cook Islands, and Australia to introduce our new CD. I am now employed with Te Vaka Productions in the USA. Ka Kite.
LEILANI NOOVAO
Kia Orana,
I was born and raised in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and learned the Polynesian dance as a very young girl. In 1998, I was in a beauty contest “Ms Tiare Pagent” which includes beauty, talent, and modeling and I came in first place. I am now a professional Polynesian dancer who enjoys traveling, and sharing our Cook Island culture with audiences. Ka Kite.
NOO HEWETT TUIRVAKI
Kia Orana,
I am a native of the Rarotonga, Cook Islands, where I learned the Polynesian dance and music at a very early age. My talent lies in making the music. I am a professional drummer and singer. I am proud to be one of the best ambassadors for the Cook Islands and I love to share our culture with others. I have traveled and performed around the world which includes Japan, Australia, Tahiti, Barbados, Germany, New Zealand, and the USA. Thank you, E Kia Manuia.
PAUL TUPOU
Kia Orana and Greetings,
I come from the “Land of the Long White Cloud” Aotearoa, New Zealand. I was born in Tutakimoa, Cook Islands and was raised in New Zealand. I am a professional musician who plays the lead ukulele, the kamaka, the rhythm guitar, and the bass. Cook Island cultural dance groups always have a set of drums that goes with each performance. They are called: pau-bass drum, pan mango-bongo, tikita-double, and the pate, the lead drum. I began learning to play these drums at the age of eight, and I have been gaining experience through the years. I am improving my skills and gaining more experience on this journey. I have toured and performed in Australia., Spain, New Zealand and other parts of the world and now the USA. My goal is to make my family, and my Cook Island people of what the young generation is doing today. Aerera E Kia Manuia.
LYNETH JUNIOR
Kia Orana,
My family originated in the Cook Islands and Tahiti. I was born in Auckland, New Zealand and have found them very challenging and educational. I have traveled to Australia, all over New Zealand and now in the USA. I am proud to be an ambassador of the Cook Islands and enjoy sharing our culture. My goal is to own my own dance team, and travel around the world someday. My hobbies are sports, dancing and music. Ka Kite.
XAVIER JOSEPH WARREN
Talofa Lava,
I was born in Suva Fiji, but was raised in Western Samoa. I have been a professional dancer for sever years. I have traveled and performed in Fiji, Japan, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and in the USA. I am also a body builder and have held three titles in Western Samoa, one in American Samoa, gold medal in the Mini Games in North Fork Island, South Pacific. I have also done modeling; Pacific Sisters from New Zealand, Fashion Show in Western Samoa, and American Samoa, and the Hunk of the Month body building champ in New Zealand. I was Mr. January in the Samoan Calendar. I also escorted beauty contestants in the Miss South Pacific Pagent. I enjoy traveling and meeting people. Soifua.
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