Te Maeva Nui 2023 - Constitution Celebrations
Te Maeva Nui is our annual National Event and commemorates our rich Cook Islands cultural heritage.
TE MAEVA NUI
Te Maeva Nui Festival is a week-long national culture and dance event held each year to celebrate the August 4th birthday of the Cook Islands as an independent nation. It is the cultural highlight of the Cook Islands year.
This National Event has grown over the years drawing international visitors from across the globe to Rarotonga for a week of cultural festivities and celebrations through arts, crafts, music, song, dance, and local food. Our Cook Islands people are our richest Asset. The whole Nation literally comes to a standstill as we celebrate our unique culture during Te Maeva Nui.
Enjoy highlights from the 2017 Te Maeva Nui below or for more coverage and highlights visit The Ministry of Cultural Development's website.
Please note that tickets to this year's event can only be purchased while you are on the island. Online ticket sales will not be available. For more information on purchasing tickets, you can email [email protected] or [email protected] or call +682 20725
TE MAEVA NUI 2023 OVERALL PROGRAM
Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August:
KEY:
- Te Are Karioi Nui - National Auditorium a Division of Ministry of Cultural Development (MOCD)
- Runanga Pakau, - National Museum a Division of MOCD
- Runanga Puka - National Library a Division of MOCD
- Taua o te Ara Maire Nui - Maire Nui Park opposite Tourism Office, Downtown Avarua
- Makete Punanga Nui - Punanga Nui Market next to the main Avatiu Harbor, Downtown Avarua
- Te Taua Terevete - Constitution Park opposite the Punanga Nui Market, Ruatonga, Downtown Avarua.
THE NATIONAL AUDITORIUM EVENTS
- Ticket Sales at the door 2 hours before the Cultural Dance Performances
| DAY 1: | MONDAY 31st JULY | ||
| 6.30pm | OFFICIAL OPENING | National Auditorium | |
| 7.00pm | CHOIR and TRADITIONAL HYMNS | National Auditorium | Gold Coin Donation |
| DAY 2: | TUESDAY 01st AUGUST | ||
| 9am - 2pm | BCI TRADE DAY | Punanga Nui Market | |
| 7.00pm | INTERNATIONAL TEAMS PERFORMANCES | National Auditorium | $10, $5 |
| DAY 3: | WEDNESDAY 02nd AUGUST | ||
| 9am - 2pm | BCI TRADE DAY | Punanga Nui Market | |
| 7.00pm | CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES | National Auditorium | $20, $10, $5 |
| DAY 4: | THURSDAY 3rd AUGUST | ||
| 9am - 2pm | BCI TRADE DAY | Punanga Nui Market | |
| 7.00pm | CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES | National Auditorium | $20, $10, $5, |
| DAY 5: | FRIDAY 4th AUGUST | ||
| 10am | THE 58# CONSTITUTION DAY TE MAEVA NUI AWARDS and the OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY |
National Auditorium | Free |
