Mangaia will feature dancers as young as 12 years of age in the 2022 Te Maeva Nui cultural festival tonight at the National Auditorium.

Team Mangaia’s assistant leader Rouru Motu said the “very young team” of dancers have been easier to teach.

“The young ones listen and are willing to learn, whereas in the past the older dancers don’t really listen as much,” said Motu.

“Our young ones can’t wait to get on that stage and we have been encouraging them to have fun and enjoy themselves.

“Culture is our heritage, without it we are nothing, so we want our young people to hold onto it and be proud like Merle, their trainer, has instilled pride in them.”

Mangaia has new songs composed for each of their performances.

The Kapa Rima is composed by Nga Tangimataiti, Ura Pau by Teina Tearii with the help of Merle Pukerua, Imene Tuki by Junior Ngarangi, and the Choir created by Rio Teika.

Costumes have been designed by Merle Pukerua, Annie Kauvarevai, Vaine Iorangi and Moe Tereapii with willing hands helping out.

Motu would like to wish all the participating teams a fun filled experience on stage.

“The elections are done, let’s enjoy our culture and celebrate 57 years of self-governance.”

Tonight, Mangaia will perform the Kapa Rima, followed by Choir and Imene Tuki tomorrow and the Ura Pau on Friday.

The 57^th Constitution Day event will be held tomorrow with the programme starting at 9.30am at the National Auditorium.