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 will be 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. ”
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 in previous years, 2025 events will include a parade through Avarua and a whole host of dancing, drumming and singing competitions. Teams from all 13 inhabited islands are expected to take part, and in 2025 they'll be joined by international teams. Representatives from Atiu for example, have already said they'll be extending an invitation to those in New Zealand and Australia.
And it'll be 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"
Photos: Daniel Fisher/Cook Islands Tourism (Te Maeva Nui parade 2024)
Emile Kairua from the Ministry of Cultural Development gives an exclusive insight into what's planned and the challenges he faces 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
Voices from across the nation and of islanders across the world are being 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 being published on the Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister (Not all are available yet)
Click here
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"
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"
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. They're also providing support to teams from the islands when they arrive in Rarotonga for the celebrations.
The CITC Building Centre and Excil Shipping have "adopted" Mangaia. Numangatini Tangitamaiti Ariki (the island's King) gifted the organisation a significant adze that held personal importance, as it was part of 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: 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
