Over $4 million in public funds will be used to bring Pa Enua residents to Rarotonga in July for the 2025 Te Maeva Nui celebrations, which coincide with the 60th anniversary of self-governance.

The Cook Islands Government has allocated $4.1 million in public funding through Te Maeva Nui Transportation budget to support nationwide participation in the celebrations, which will be held from July 25 to August 5 this year.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM), the taxpayer funded travel support reflects the government’s commitment to national inclusion, ensuring that communities across the outer islands “who face the greatest logistical and financial barriers to participation are able to be present at this milestone event”.

In November 2024, the Major Projects and Procurement Support (MPPS) division issued an Expression of Interest (EOI), seeking qualified shipping companies to provide sea transportation for the Northern Group.

“To be considered, companies were required to demonstrate compliance with relevant marine legislation and vessel safety standards. Submissions were assessed on merit, with provider’s selected based on capability and compliance.”

In a statement, MFEM said given that nearly one-third of the Cook Islands population resides across the outer islands, 20 per cent in the Southern Group and 10 per cent in the Northern Group, comprehensive transport solutions are crucial.

“The government has prioritised both passenger and freight logistics to support participation from all islands.”

For the Southern Group, travel is being provided locally through Air Rarotonga and Cook Islands General Transport (CIGT), using a combination of air and sea freight services.

For the Northern Group, the vessel MV “Taki I Pomana” from Tonga is transporting residents from Manihiki, Rakahanga and Penrhyn, while the vessel MV “Nivaga III” from Tuvalu is serving Pukapuka, Nassau and Palmerston (Pamati).

On-land devanning and logistics are being managed by local providers Taio Shipping and CIGT. The estimated time of arrival for Pa Enua residence is the 14 July 2025 with estimated departure to the Pa Enua from 7 August 2025. The details on the number of allocated travellers per island and allocated cargo space is being finalised.

According to MFEM, coinciding with the diamond jubilee of self-governance, Te Maeva Nui 2025 celebrates Cook Islands identity through a vibrant showcase of dance, music, art, local crafts and traditional cuisine.

Emile Kairua, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Development, said the presence of Pa Enua residents “brings a sense of wholeness to the occasion”.

“Te Maeva Nui is more than a celebration, it’s a powerful reminder of who we are as a people. This year, as we mark 60 years of self-governance, it’s especially meaningful to have our Pa Enua families return after a long absence. Their presence brings a sense of wholeness to the occasion and reinforces the deep connections that bind our communities across our beautiful islands,” Kairua said.

The celebrations not only strengthen national unity but also boost local economic activity, said MFEM. The influx of international visitors drives demand for uniquely Cook Islands products such as rito crafts, island-grown produce, and “akari pi”, a traditional coconut oil-based ointment primarily made in the Pa Enua.

The statement added that to make the most of this national gathering, the Pa Enua Governance Forum, led by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), has been scheduled to coincide with Te Maeva Nui 2025.

Held biennially, the forum provides a platform for Pa Enua leaders to engage with national agencies, share experiences and collaborate on common challenges.

More than 30 key officials including mayors, executive officers and managers will come together in Rarotonga to discuss public sector developments and policy updates.

OPM chief of staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko says this year’s Pa Enua Governance Forum marks a new chapter for substantive and meaningful engagement with Pa Enua leaders.

“We’re bringing in newly elected Mayors and recently appointed Executive Officers, many of whom are attending for the first time, to discuss the unique development priorities and challenges confronting our Pa Enua communities, and how central government can support the achievement of these priorities going forward,” Ngatoko said.

“Unlike previous presentation-heavy formats, this year’s Forum will emphasise interactive dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and actionable, meaningful outcomes - ultimately strengthening the relationship between the Pa Enua and Central Government and providing a platform for our Pa Enua leaders to frame their own development needs, in their own voices.”