Te Maeva Nui, the pinnacle of Cook Islands cultural performance, has been influential in fostering the cultural identity of Cook Islanders in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2019.

Through collaborations with various groups, the festival has played a vital role in educating and promoting the growth of Cook Islands culture in Aotearoa and globally.

Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand Charitable Trust is proud to announce the third bi-annual Te Maeva Nui New Zealand Festival 2023, celebrating the people of the Cook Islands, its community and uniqueness, by showcasing cultural heritage through the creative arts of language, song, dance and music.

Next month in Auckland, over 1500 performers will come together to celebrate, highlighting Cook Islands culture at its finest.

The three-day Te Maeva Nui NZ Festival will open with the “Tu Rangatira Awards” on September 28, 2023 at the Trust Arena, Waitakere.

This Gala Awards Dinner celebrates and recognises the achievements of Cook Islands people in the following categories: Business, International, Sports, Youth, Health, Community, Education, and Creative.

Following these awards will be the two-day cultural extravaganza, Te Maeva Nui NZ Competition, from September 29-30, at West Auckland’s Trust Stadium.

The official opening ceremony will start at 1pm led by Te Maeva Nui parade and the raising of the Cook Islands flag formalities, followed by the combined group “Flash Mob show” by the 10 participating teams.

Cook Islands food, arts and crafts will also be available to purchase at the Kapa Market, which will include vendors and their products direct from the home land.

The vibrant cultural performances of the Imene Tuki, Ute, Pe’e, Kapa Rima, and Ura Pau, will be showcased in the evening by: Aitutaki Enua, Oire Vaipae, Nukuroa Enua, Vaka Takitumu, Te Vaka Puaikura, Te Fuinga O Niva, Enuamanu Atiu, A'ua'u Mangaia Enua, Mauke Enua and Oire Tokoroa.

Creative director of Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa New Zealand Charitable Trust, Duane Wichman-Evans said this festival has grown from strength to strength with over 1500 performers participating in the event ranging from 13 years to 70 years of age, and over 10,000 people visiting the festival over the three days.

“With our community support we have outgrown past venues and anticipate continued growth,” he said.

“Being a multigenerational event it brings family, friends, villages and communities together to embrace and uplift our culture through language, song and dance, performance, arts and craft, fellowship and of course delicious Cook Islands food.”

The theme for Te Maeva Nui is: “Te Ora’anga Keretitiano I Roto Ite Matakeinanga’ - Our stories of Christianity narrated throughout our community”.

Wichman-Evans said Te Maeva Nui is an event to be proud of, where performers can shine representing their vaka, oire or enua.

“Our performers are preserving our past, participating in our present and paving a road for our future generations.”

“E patu ite are varanga, Ki runga ite turanga, Nga ue ue kore - Build your future on solid foundations. My identity is my foundation.”
Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz  or email kimi@temaevanui.nz.