'Festival for the people': Te Maeva Nui Aotearoa returns in full glory

Get ready Aotearoa, as the premier Cook Islands festival, Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa (TMNNZ), returns for 2025.

The festival promises two days of vibrant performances from oire (villages) and communities from across the country, those famous Cook Islands donuts, and a celebration of heritage that spans generations.

Since its first event in 2019, TMMNZ has grown to become Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest platform for Cook Island’s culture, and this year’s festival also marks 60 years of the island nation’s independence.

Described as a festival “for the people, with the people, and by the people”, TMNNZ gives young people and Cook Islands diaspora a chance to connect with their ancestral culture.

Hosted by Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa NZ Charitable Trust, this year’s festival takes place at West Auckland's Trusts Arena, and will kick off with the prestigious Tu Rangatira Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday night.

The awards honour leadership and excellence across the Cook Islands community, acknowledging achievements in business, sport, youth, health, education, creativity, and more.

Speaking with Nemai Tagicakibau on 531pi Pacific Days, Kimi Marsters, event coordinator, says the evening will kick off with a turou (formal welcoming chant) for the awards finalists, festival sponsors and VIPs.

“This is our fourth year, and everyone's calling it the 'new' version of the Cook Islands Grammys. We've also got our Cook Islands Prime Minister in the building tonight alongside our King's representative Sir Tom Masters.”

Watch Kimi Marsters' full interview below.

TMMNZ continues on 3 and 4 October with spectacular cultural performances and the beloved Kapa Markets, offering everything from handicrafts to Cook Islands delicacies, including the iconic Palace Burgers from Rarotonga.

This year’s theme, Te tau’ianga reva - Climate Change, calls attention to urgent environmental challenges and encourages reflection and action through the lens of Kūki ‘Āirani culture.

A highlight of TMMNZ is the incredible showcase of talent across more than ten teams, 2000 performers, and performance categories: Ura Pa’u (drum dance), Kapa Rima (action song), Imene Tuki (hymn), Ute (song), and Pe’e (chant).

Marsters says teams have been doing stage rehearsals all week, and audiences will see the culmination of months of preparation.

“Everyone is pumped just for rehearsals. We're just trying to make sure we are executing and enhancing the performances of our teams as they take part in the five categories.”

For many performers in Aotearoa, the festival is more than a stage, it is an opportunity to explore identity, build confidence, and with multigenerational participation it means families, friends, and oire can celebrate together.

Wellington group Oire Te Whanganui Ā Tara from Wellington will make their first appearance, joining 10 Auckland-based teams.

Behind the scenes, Marsters says the journey to TMNNZ is just as demanding as the performances themselves.

“All our teams have been fundraising, sponsorship forms, they've been doing everything they can just to get their funds ready for costumes, practice venues, and the uniforms to come up tomorrow for the festival.”

With thanks to Whakaata Māori, Te Maeva Nui ō Aotearoa will be live streamed for the first time via the Māori+ app.

The Kapa Markets open from 12pm on Friday, 3 October and doors to the performances open from 3pm. Find tickets here.