Te Maeva Nui 2024 showcased strong, solid and stunning cultural performances of a high standard from each respective team, representing their districts and home islands with pride as they celebrated 59 years of Cook Islands self-governance.

The eight participating teams received well-deserved applause from the audience after weeks of intense pressure and worry. They struggled to fill their teams with dancers and performers, rehearsed until the early hours of the morning and searched tirelessly for costume resources and helping hands.

On Friday night, more powerful performances from dancers in colourful extravagant costumes graced the Are Karioi Nui (National Auditorium) stage. They were cheered on by a full house of around 2000 spectators.

However, on Saturday night, the wonderful and harmonious imene pupu (choir) groups and fun-filled imene tuki (traditional hymns) performances were met with a disappointingly half-empty auditorium.

Mangaia Enua made their first appearance on stage on Saturday, graciously participating in the imene pupu. Their harmonious singing of a gospel song was met with lovely applause.

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

The Imene Pupu appearances on Saturday night were 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.