The official opening of the Anuanua Festival kicks off tonight with extraordinary wearable arts extravaganza at the Bergman & Sons Gallery in Taputapuatea.

The Anuanua Festival is a celebration of “love, acceptance, and unity,” marking the second anniversary of the Cook Islands’ decriminalisation of same-sex relations.

It is celebrated each year, presented by Pride Cook Islands and Te Tiare Association, the nation’s non-government-organisations (NGOs) established to promote the human rights, wellbeing and interests of all LGBTQI+ in the Cook Islands. Anuanua is proudly sponsored by the New Zealand High Commission.

On Wednesday evening, the prejudging of the wearable arts designs took place. It was judged by Gina Williams, Mina Henderson Enoka and Phylesha Brown-Acton.

“The standard of the wearable arts competition was set at an all-time high at last year’s wearable arts competition, but the designers of Anuanua 2025 truly went above and beyond all expectations,” said Dean Kapi-Tangata, president of Pride Cook Islands.

“The colours, the interpretations of the many different concepts and the diversity of the models truly left us all at a loss for words. I sincerely ask anyone and everyone to join us at the opening of Anuanua 2025 and witness the sheer excellence for yourselves. The calibre of art is being redefined by our very own people and it is definitely not worth missing out on.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, the Glam Lip Sync Battle will start at 4pm at On The Rocks located inside Cooks Corner.

On Sunday, April 13, the Kiki Kai Vananga – a space to eat, to talk — and to really connect, will start at 1.30pm at The Edgewater Resort Conference Room. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Anuanua will wrap up on Monday, April 14, with a special Pride Day luncheon at Tamarind House at 12 noon. RSVP is required.