Thousands flocked to see Te Maeva Nui at its best, with empty seats marring the closing night

The 2024 Te Maeva Nui Festival showcases strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from teams who proudly represent their regions and home islands in celebration of 59 years of Cook Islands self-government.

After weeks of intense pressure and worry, the eight competing teams finally received the applause they deserved from the audience after working hard to recruit dancers and actors, rehearsing until the early hours of the morning, and tirelessly searching for costume resources and a helping hand.

On Friday night, dancers in colorful and ornate costumes performed even more powerful dances on the Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) stage, cheered by an audience of about 2,000 people.

Yet, on Saturday night, the auditorium was half empty with a brilliant and harmonious performance of the Imene Pupu (choir) and the fun-filled Imene Tuki (traditional hymns).

On Saturday, the Mangaia Enua band made their debut on stage and gracefully participated in the imene pupu performance. They sang a gospel song in harmony and received warm applause.

The Te Maeva Nui performances on Friday night were as follows: Te Fuinga O Niva – pe’e, Pukava Nassau – ute, Oire Nikao – kapa Five, Puaikura – ura pa’u, Te Fuinga O Niva – ute, Pukava Nassau – kapa Five, Vaka Takitumu – ura pa’u, Oire Tupapa – kapa rima and Atiu Enua – ura pa’u. Rarotonga’s Indonesian community also performed as guest artists on Friday night.

Imene Pupu’s line-up for Saturday night is as follows: Vaka Takitumu, Pukapuka Nassau, Oire Nikao, Mangaia, Vaka Puaikura, Te Fuinga O Niva, Tupapa. Imene Tuki: Oire Nikao, Vaka Puaikura, Pukapuka Nasau, Vaka Takitumu, Te Fuinga O Niva and Tupapa Atiu Enua.