CELEBRATION OF A NATION
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
The Cook Islands is preparing for the biggest celebration in its history. For 11 days - from 25 July to 5th August, 2025 - the nation will be filled with a colourful cacophony of dancing, drumming, parades and concerts marking 60 years of self-government. This is the detailed programme of events from the Ministry of Cultural Development who are the organisers
OFFICIAL OPENING AND FLOAT PARADE
WHERE: Through Avarua
WHEN: Starting at 12.30 pm
COST: Free
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 7.00 pm
COST: NZ$2, NZ$5
SENIOR DRUMMING COMPETITION
WHERE: Tauranga Vananga Outdoor Domes
WHEN: 10.00 am
COST: Free
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 7.00 pm
COST: NZ$20, NZ$10, NZ$5
CHURCH SERVICES
WHERE: All churches
WHEN: Typically 10.00 am
COST: Free
CHOIR AND TRADITIONAL HYMN PERFORMANCES
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 6.00 pm
COST: "Gold coin" collection
TRADE DAY
WHERE: Pūnanga Nui Market
WHEN: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: Free
CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: NZ£20, NZ$10, NZ$5
EMO AITO MAORI TRADITIONAL GAMES
WHERE: Tupapa Sports field
WHEN: 10.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: Free
TRADE DAY
WHERE: Pūnanga Nui Market
WHEN: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: Free
CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: NZ£20, NZ$10, NZ$5
EMO AITO MAORI TRADITIONAL GAMES
WHERE: Tupapa Sports field
WHEN: 10.00 am
COST: Free
CULTURAL DANCE PERFORMANCES
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
COST: NZ£20, NZ$10, NZ$5
CHURCH SERVICES
WHERE: All churches
WHEN: Typically 10.00 am
COST: Free
CONSTITUTION DAY (PUBLIC HOLIDAY)
60TH CONSTITUTION DAY CEREMONY AND GOVERNMENT NATIONAL AWARDS
WHEN: 10.00 am
WHERE: National Auditorium
COST: Free
O'ORA (Gifting)
WHEN: All day
WHERE: Outdoor Domes
COST: Free
TE MEAVE NUI AWARDS, OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY AND CONCERT
WHERE: National Auditorium
WHEN: 6.00 pm
COST: Free