Cook Islands cultural heritage to come alive at Te Maeva Nui festival with over 1,500 performers

The biggest cultural event on the Cook Island's calendar, Te Maeva Nui, will be celebrated in Auckland this weekend.

This is the third time the bi-annual festival is held in New Zealand where the Cook Islands cultural heritage comes alive in a two day showcase of creative arts, language, song, music and dance.

The festivities began with the Tu Rangatira Awards on Thursday evening, acknowledging community members for their achievements across eight categories, including business, international, sports, youth, health, community, education and creative.

The two day competition follows, kicking off with the Te Maeva Nui Parade at the Trusts Arena, Waitakere, at 1pm today, Friday, September 29.

Creative director Duane Wichman-Evans is looking forward to the event being even bigger than previous years.

"The Te Maeva Nui festival has grown from strength to strength with over 1,500 performers participating ranging from 13 years to 70 years of age. With our community support we have outgrown past venues and anticipate continued growth," Wichman-Evans said.

They are anticipating over 10,000 people to visit the showground's with the Kapa Markets boasting a tantalising array of Cook Island delicacies, arts and crafts, fashion, flash mob performances and more.

Former Miss Pacific Islands runner-up Ernestina Bonsu Maro said she cannot wait for the action.

"It's not just about the performances but it's about the whole atmosphere that you're coming into when you step into the event, you're just going to be blown away," Maro said.

"It's all about celebrating our culture. We only have this event every two years so everyone comes together, and it just keeps expanding. 2019 was huge, and 2021 was like Polyfest on steroids! Everyone is so excited for this year."

There are 10 teams competing representing the country's various vaka (districts), oire (villages) or enua (islands).

The island of Mitiaro is entering for the very first time this year and began their preparations in April.

The hype drew those that hail from the small island community together.

"This was my biggest driver to join. With that sort of excitement, we've brought together a massive team - quite symbolic of how 'mighty' we are!" Antony Vavia, who will be performing at the festival, said.

With the first night of performances today, Vavia is "feeling a healthy mix of excitement and a shot of nervous, but it feels great to be able to go into this competition with our team that has evolved into a family over the last few months."

Representing Aitutaki, Dawn Boxer is just as excited.

"Myself and my team can not wait to share our performance with everybody. We have been preparing for the last 6 months and are all so proud to be representing our beautiful homeland," he said.

Te Maeva Nui is a platform for Cook Islanders living in New Zealand to connect with their heritage.

"I think it's very important for our community, especially our young ones to get involved, as culture is our identity and makes up who we are as individuals," Boxer said.

"Our tamariki (youth) need to learn and embrace our Cook Islands culture so that it may never die and so they're also able to pass that knowledge and culture on to our future generations."

And Vavia agrees. "I sometimes wish I had been more involved with Te Maeva Nui during my upbringing."

"Perhaps I'd be a better dancer today if I had been. Reflecting on being in Mitiaro, just being in the community or village space is what I find valuable. It's something special, and I reckon it's a goldmine for our younger crowd, even if they haven't figured that out just yet."

"Our performers are preserving our past, participating in our present and paving a road for our future generations," Wichman-Evans added.

His message encapsulates this years theme: 'Te Ora'anga Keretitiano i roto i te Matakeinanga. Stories - Christianity - Preserve.'

The show nights run from September 29 and 30, with the doors opening at 4pm at the Trusts Arena, Waitakere.

Tickets are still available online for both nights here.