Vodafone Cook Islands has announced it will continue with its platinum sponsorship for Te Maeva Nui, the nation’s best and most popular cultural event of the year.

As a platinum sponsor, Vodafone provides significant financial support to the festival, as well as promoting the event through its marketing channels.

Te Maeva Nui provides an important opportunity for the Cook Islands to celebrate their culture and traditions, and Vodafone’s support helps to ensure that the event can continue to grow and thrive for years to come.

The Memorandum of Understanding signing between Vodafone and Tauranga Vananga Ministry of Cultural Development last week marks over two decades of support from Vodafone and its former companies Bluesky and Telecom for the annual celebration of culture and traditions.

Justina Nicholas from Tauranga Vananga thanked Vodafone Cook Islands for their many years of support.

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“We appreciate your long-term commitment in support of our culture,” Nicholas said.

Phillip Henderson, Vodafone Cook Islands chief executive officer, said the company has a very long relationship with Te Maeva Nui and they are glad to continue their support.

“We understand that it won’t be such a big event this year in recognition of the Bicentennial celebrations and we accept that,” Henderson said.

“But I think it is important that we continue to show our support for this event, one of the biggest events that the country conducts each year, and I expect we will continue to support it going forward.”

This year, most groups have pulled out of Te Maeva Nui due to the Bicentennial Arrival of Christianity celebrations which were held on the islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Rarotonga.

However Vaka Puaikura, Tereora College, Mangaia, Atiu, Pukapuka/Nassau as well as Manihiki and Rakahanga, who have combined and will be performing under the banner of Te Fuinga O Niva, will be hitting the stage performing their best.

All performances will be held at Te Are Karioi (National Auditorium). The opening night on Monday, July 31, will feature Imene Tuki and Choir. On Tuesday, August 1, the much-anticipated International Night will be held, and Wednesday and Thursday nights will have the main cultural performances from the six participating teams. The closing ceremony and prizegiving awards will be held on Constitution Day, Friday, August 4.

Tickets – $20 reserve seating, $10 general terrace, $5 floor seating – are on sale in front of the Bank of the Cook Islands from 9am to 2pm on weekday, and at the Punanga Nui Market stage on Saturday.

Vodafone Cook Islands’ continued sponsorship is the company’s commitment to supporting the nation’s community and promoting cultural diversity, it says.

It is the leading telecommunications services provider in the Cook Islands offering mobile, broadband, fixed line and a range of other telecommunications technology-based services across all inhabited islands.

The company also provides these community services on behalf of the Government: Pa Enua services, broadcasting support services, marine radio services and postal services.