Photos: Daniel Fisher/Cook Islands Tourism
60 YEARS OF SELF-GOVERNMENT
The Cook Islands is having the biggest celebration in its history. 2025 sees a whole year of events marking 60 years of self-government. But the main events are over 11 days - from 25 July to 5th August, 2025 - when the nation will be filled with a colourful cacophony of dancing, drumming, parades and concerts.
And pride in identity is reflected in the chosen theme for the year, "I know who I am. I have a homeland" (Kua Kite au i toku turanga, a Avaiki toku). Launching the theme, Prime Minister Mark Brown described it as "a simple but powerful declaration of our national pride, our unity and our purpose." And he explained why:
" It reminds us we stand firm in our identity as Cook Islanders, to embrace the strength from knowing where we belong, and our connection to our homeland...Our oceans may divide us, but our shared identity and collective spirit unites us in ways that are beyond measure. ”
Photos: Daniel Fisher/Cook Islands Tourism
The annual celebration of self-rule is the most important event in the Cook Islands calendar. The whole event is now called "Te Maeva Nui" which translates as "the major or most important celebration". It was first held in 1967. And just like in previous years, 2025 events began with a parade through Avarua. Here's how the Islands' national newspaper, Cook Islands News described the start of the celebrations:
Rarotonga burst into a sea of beauty, colour, pride and joy as the Cook Islands officially opened its 60th Te Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations
Over the coming days, the celebrations will include, as is traditional, a whole host of dancing, drumming and singing competitions. Teams from all 12 permanently inhabited islands are taking part, and in 2025 some are joined by teams from overseas. And it's all a very forward looking occasion with its own theme: “You have flourished my Nation, and created a firm foundation for me and future generations”. Launching that theme, Raemaki Karati from the Ministry of Cultural Development said:
"We will celebrate the past 60 years and let our stories be a beacon of hope to a better and prosperous future"
The sacred Te Maeva Nui flame, lit at the office of The King’s Representative office in Titikaveka, was carried by the Boys Brigade to the opening ceremony. The flame was placed on carved torch stands representing the three pillars of Cook Islands society – traditional leaders (Ui Ariki), the church and the government. Prime Minister Mark Brown ignited the cauldron. Photo: Cook Islands News
Two remote Northern Group islands will have more residents on Rarotonga than back home. Of Pukapuka’s current population of 456, 302 have travelled to the capital island along with 56 from its "sister" island of Nassau (population, 92). And for both teams it meant an arduous sea journey of around 1,300 kms. They've spent months preparing dances, costumes and songs.
They're among more than 900 people from the outer islands (Pa Enua) who have headed to Rarotonga by sea and air with the help of NZ$4.1 million of government funding
Many of those from the outer islands have brought food and crafts from their home to share and sell, but few are as unusual (and confusing?) as these roots from Mangaia. They're turned into coffee which islanders call tea (spelled tī). They've been brewing it since the 19th century when coffee/tī houses abounded, and just like today were a popular meeting place to catch up on news and gossip.
Mangaians had only one word for any kind of hot drink hence the name. It was called kāōpe on the tree and didn’t become tī until the roots were brewed
Emile Kairua from the Ministry of Cultural Development gives an exclusive insight into the planning and the challenges he faced putting together the biggest party in Islands' history. He talks about what it is to be a Cook Islander and why the celebrations are an exciting "family reunion" for young and old alike. He also looks back 60 years and forward to reflect on what the future holds with the ever-present threat of climate change, fears some have around plans for seabed mining and the Islands' growing relationship with China
This is the official logo. The organisers say it's "honouring our heritage while celebrating the strength of our identity and the importance of community. This anniversary is a celebration of who we are - our resilience, our pride, and our unbreakable connection to our land, our people, and our future". And it's featured on 250 banners across town from Panama to Tupapa
This is the official logo. The organisers say it's "honouring our heritage while celebrating the strength of our identity and the importance of community. This anniversary is a celebration of who we are - our resilience, our pride, and our unbreakable connection to our land, our people, and our future". And it's featured on 250 banners across town from Panama to Tupapa
Voices from across the nation and of islanders across the world have been brought together in a major multi-media story telling project. The series includes a profile of 30 Islanders making an impact worldwide and a spotlight on 30 under 30s who are shaping the future. Prime Minister Mark Brown says the "Itiki'anga Ora" series as it's called is more than a celebration, it's a declaration...
"A declaration of who we are, where we've come from and where we are going. These are our stories, told by Cook Islanders for Cook Islanders and they speak to heart of what it means to be a Cook Islander in 2025"
Episodes are available on the Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister Click here
Although the main celebrations are in July and August, they began on January 1st with a free concert at the National Auditorium with lots of music and dancing. And Prime Minister Brown urged islanders at home and across the world to be part of the nation's diamond jubilee.
"I invite you to take part in this journey. Wherever you are find ways to connect with your heritage, learn your language, share your stories and celebrate the values that make us who we are"
These are just three of 15 stunning murals now gracing Rarotonga airport as part of enhancement work and to provide a lasting legacy of the 60th anniversary. Each mural features prominent creatures, well-known objects or places specific to each of the 15 Cook Islands
The murals are the work of Katu Teiti who spent 5 months crafting them. The airport authority say domestic and international passengers can embrace the outer islands through these murals, and gain a sense of each island. Photo: Cook Islands News
The Islands have a past to be proud of but face an uncertain future with threats from climate change, fears about deep sea mining and even from rapidly growing tourism. I've created this video "birthday card" which looks at milestones from the past, today's Cook Islands and ponders that future.
People replaced planes on the runway of Rarotonga airport in one of the first events of the celebrations. More than 3,000 islanders and tourists turned up on 29th January to walk the 2.3km of tarmac. The day also also marked 51 years since Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened the airport. The airport authority said they wanted to highlight the Islands' connection to the world by offering the rare opportunity to tread the tarmac. Photos: Cook Islands TV News
Shop staff at CITC stores are making their own unique contribution to the celebrations. They've been kitted out in new uniforms featuring the national colours of green and yellow and each store in the group is "adopting" one of the Cook Islands and highlighting its cultural heritage and beauty through eye-catching displays. The CITC Building Centre and Excil Shipping have "adopted" Mangaia and the island's King gifted them a significant adze which was used at his ordination ceremony.
CITC general manager, Gaye Whitta says the campaign called Kia Mana is "a heartfelt tribute to every individual - past and present - who has contributed to the company’s journey and the country’s development." CITC has been trading in the Islands since 1891 Photos: CITC and Cook Islands News
This is the breadfruit (kuru) which has been part of the Islands' diet for centuries and in February it was at the heart of a festival (Takurua) linked to the anniversary celebrations. Cook Islands tourism called it "a culinary celebration of identity, heritage and connection to Cook Islands homeland through food."
Events climaxed with a cook off to find the best breadfruit stew. And winner Takai Tua, from Mauke shared his winning recipe: "the humble kuru, onions, a tin of wonderful palm corned beef, and freshly squeezed coconut cream". There's no word yet on whether it'll be on the menu at the main celebrations in July!
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN 2025?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ALL ABOUT THE BIRTH OF THE NATION
HOW AVIATION CHANGED HISTORY
