In a vibrant display of cultural pride, Cook Islanders gave their all on stage at the Te Maeva Nui New Zealand.
Thousands of performers making up ten teams have been preparing for months on end, culminating in two days of energetic performances.
Celebrated annually in the Cook Islands, Te Maeva Nui marks their anniversary of self governance in free association with New Zealand.
It is celebrated every two years in New Zealand.
New Zealand-born Cook Islanders say the Te Maeva Nui NZ festival is a platform to connecting with their cultural identity.
First timer Junior Rima danced alongside his brother, representing Tongareva Henua.
He said it was an emotional affair as the community came together to fully immerse themselves in Cook Islands culture.
"This is the one festival that brings us as Cook Islanders together regardless. It will just bring more Cook Islanders who are wanting to learn more about their culture, no matter what Island or what Oire or Vaka you come from. I think this is a good place to start."
Te Whanganui-a-tara dancers wow with their creative costumes. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
A team of Cook Islanders living in Wellington travelled up to Auckland specifically for the festival.
Upokotea Ruaporo said Te Maeva Nui is very important to New Zealand born Cook Islanders who crave to learn about, and connect to their cultural identities.
She said knowledge holders in Te Whanganui-a-tara came together over three months to foster intergenerational learning for their team.
"Culture is everything to us here, especially those who are born and bred in New Zealand and don't know much about their culture. So I take my hat off to all our Pa Metua, our aunties, uncles out there, who continue to encourage and teach our culture and pass down the knowledge to our next generation."
Upokotea Ruaporo of Oire Te Whanganui-a-tara gets up to dance mid ute performance. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
The reigning Miss Cook Islands New Zealand echoes her sentiments.
Ngatepaeru Maoate says regardless of where one is born, their culture is ingrained into their very being.
"It's part of our identity. It's part of who we are, and it's part of our blood. It runs within us every day. So for me, I feel like we need to keep it alive."
She said platforms like Te Maeva Nui ensure the performing arts are preserved amongst generations.
"It's really important for all our youth to pick up all the knowledge and all the talents... and Te Maeva Nui is one of those places to learn about our culture and who we are as the people of the Cook Islands."
New Zealand born Jacob Unuia agrees.
At a young age he discovered the art of Cook Islands drumming and dedicated himself to learning this part of his culture.
"I am born in New Zealand, so me trying to learn my language and all that stuff, it means a lot to me, and I'm passionate about our culture, I love our culture and yeah I'd just love to share it to the world."
He says he was excited to share his skills while representing Au'au Enua on the big stage.
Performers give their all to a pe'e - traditional chant showcase. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Participants say this festival is integral to preserving language and the traditional arts.
The composer for Vaka Puaikura's Kapa Rima raised concerns over the decline of fluent speakers of Te Reo Maori Kuki Airani.
Lutenent Manavaroa said having a Te Maeva Nui Festival in New Zealand provides a critical platform to promote Cook Islands language.
"The likes of our language is already broken. The more we bring up the culture here in New Zealand, the more our language will revive again," Manavaroa.
"That's the goal, especially for the new generation of the young ones that are Cook Island blood here that don't know how to speak. So I reckon it's a good thing that Te Maeva Nui is here to embrace our culture, because I believe we have the best culture."
Dancing alongside him, Tatiana Teava said being able to learn, and in turn teach her cultural practices fills her with pride.
"Honestly, it's such an honor just being able to carry on amongst the generations and keep the culture going. It's awesome being able to rep your culture, not only in the Cook Islands, but outside of it, it opens doors and gives us chances to make our culture more known."
Lutenent Manavaroa and Tiana Teava Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
Participants say this event is special not only because it gives young ones a platform to perform but it brings their rich Kuki Airani culture to their front doorstep in Aotearoa.
The teams say they're already looking forward to 2027.
Thousands of performers making up ten teams have been preparing for months on end, culminating in two days of energetic performances. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tiana Haxton
