Te Maeva Nui team leaders are pleased with the “tumu tapura nui” (theme) for next year’s biggest cultural event, the 2025 special 60th anniversary celebration as an independent nation.

The tumu tapura nui was launched at Te Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) by Raemaki Karati, Poutoko Manava o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Advisor at Tauranga Vananga/Ministry of Cultural Development.

“Next year we will celebrate the past 60 years and let our stories be a beacon of hope to a better and prosperous future,” said Karati.

The tumu tapura nui  is: “Tupu’anga ruperupe toou e taku Ipukarea, e tango ketaketa ia noku e no te uki apopo. Ka maeva, akararangi’ia toou tupuanga mate vaerua tiratiratu, te ngakau okotai e te ‘aka’aka” - “You have flourished my Nation, and created a firm foundation for me and future generations”. Rejoice and celebrate your successes with honour, unity and humility.

Karati said “we have come through very challenging times but thanks to the vision and tenacity of our leaders and people, we have met and overcome those challenges head on and in the process built ourselves a reputation as being one of the success stories in many areas when compared to other countries throughout the Pacific.

“We celebrate both the good and bad times. The bad times have built up the resilience in our people and country to face any challenge and has made us wiser in our decisions to tackle those pressing issues our country has had to overcome over the past 60 years.”

Travel Purua and Simona Nicholas representing Vaka Puaikura attended the launch.

“The theme for next year is good, also there are no restrictions in how many taunga, aronga atu (composers) can be part of the team which is good too,” said Purua.

Lotiola Mateariki, Mauke’s team leader said “for this theme we will be portraying our own culture and costumes from our island.”

Mateariki is looking forward to her talented dance champion children “stepping up” next year to take on the choreography for the Mauke dance items.

Te Maeva Nui team leaders are also welcoming international performers who want to participate to join in.

Vae Unuka, representing Aitutaki said “we will be open to overseas but the numbers will be limited because we have those in the Pa Enua to accommodate first.”

Helen Williams, leader for the Atiu team for Atiu said they are opening the invitation to those in New Zealand and Australia who would like to join their team. “But the team on Atiu will be the main priority,” she said.

Overseas performers who would like to join the Cook Islands 2025 Te Maeva Nui teams must contact the team leaders.