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HERALD WEEKLY ISSUE 429 : 15 October 2008

Henzart joins ‘NZ Got Talent’ TV Show

Cook Islander and local entertainer, Henry Taripo aka Henzart, has over the last 7-weeks been competing in a New Zealand talent show called, ‘New Zealand’s Got Talent,’ which saw the faafafine soul trio called Hymnchidivah that includes Taripo make it to the semi-finals which was screened on Prime TV in New Zealand earlier this week - one step away from the $100,000 prize money.
Earlier this week, Radio CI received an email which had been circulating to all the Cook Islanders living in New Zealand asking for their support by voting for the trio on Sunday night (local time.)
Taripo who is currently studying at Film School in Auckland has had an astounding career in both singing and fashion industry and towards the end of last year, saw the local artist produce his own calendars in which all money raised went towards his tuition fees while in Auckland.
The trio who have been together for just over 6-months received much praise from the shows three judges, Miriama Smith (2008 Dancing With the Stars competitor), Paul Ellis, and Richard Driver. The judges who come from very impressive backgrounds ranging from the TV and music industry both in New Zealand and around the globe, said the trio’s performance was ‘as slick and polished as group that had been together for much longer.’ Judge Richard Driver who has more than 25-years experience working the music and the television industry had praised the unique gender bending act, while Miriama Smith commended the trio for composing and singing their own song.
During the TV previews of the live-to-air show that was screened on NZ’s Prime TV last week saw Henzart and his two singing colleague’s state that they are in for the experience and especially the $100,000 prize money. In Episode 7 of the talent show, saw the Hymnchidivah trio perform their original composition dressed in Scottish kilts, to honor their Scottish heritage.
The trio who have been up against the best talents ranging from acrobats, tap dancers, freestyle beat boxing, a harmonicist, bush percussionist, to singing and dancing.
Henzart who is no stranger to performing on stage had earlier this year, took part in another show which was too showcased in Auckland.
In 2006 Henzart began offering professional singing lessons which began after the first ever Raro Idol competition which was staged at Staircase in which Henzart was a judge. The singing lessons which were a huge success saw Henzart who is also a professional singer teach those as young as 10-years old, singing techniques and how to exert their voices. While the results have been made final, the faafafine trio didn’t make it to the finals which is to be held next week however, are proud to even have made the semi-finals.
The CI Herald had contacted Henzarts family on Rarotonga who were proud and are now awaiting copies of the TV show to be sent to Rarotonga which is expected to arrive next week.
For those who would like to view previews of the show can visit www.primetv.co.nz keyword: New Zealand’s Got Talent.
We here at CI Herald wishes Henzart all the best in his studies and ‘wait a go’ for making us Cook Islanders proud.

Herald Issue 429 15 October
- Report hints of worse to come
- Impartiality of Queen’s Representative Questioned
- Climate change - No longer just a theory
- Crimminal case of the century begins
-The case for the prosecution
- Workshop shows depth of creativity