Cook Islands Council of Queensland (CICQ) has held a successful Te Maeva Nui festival earlier this month, featuring 450 performers who proudly celebrated and displayed Cook Islands culture in front of thousands.

The council focused on the same theme observed at the Maeva Nui in the Cook Islands – The Gospel, The Beloved Child of the King – Te Evangelia Te Tama Akaperepere a Te Ariki.

“The weekend event was a success, it was amazing and I’m extremely proud of my small team, the Enua leaders and their support networks and the performers,” said president of the CICQ, Archie Atiau.

He estimated that about 5000 visitors attended the event throughout the day.

The island representative groups of Rarotonga, Mauke, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Atiu, Vaka Takitumu, Tongareva, Aitutaki and Rakahanga put in six months of intense dance training and compositions for their performances.

Atiau explained that Covid-19 had messed up the original dates for the festival, initially planned for August 8.

Due to the restrictions imposed, rather than cancel the event, it was postponed to October 15.

“It was a mammoth task trying to keep the groups motivated leading up to the new October date, so regular meetings with the Enua leaders were essential to acknowledge their efforts and encourage them to continue, and to instil faith and confidence in their groups,” said Atiau.

To assist with the morale and promotion of the event within the community groups, CICQ introduced a bonding night strategy to lift the spirits of the performers.

From left: Rev Teremoana Uea (CICC Gold Coast), Aida Moeara and Tupuna Moeara (Previous President of CICQ) with their granddaughter and Pastor Mata Moeroa (Apostolic Church Gold Coast and current chairman of Religious Advisory Council CICQ). KEVIN DANDO/21102013.

It worked as the performances on the day of the event were outstanding., “and the standard of cultural items is always lifted every year, the groups set high standards to better the previous year,” said Atiau.

He was particularly proud that many youths got involved in each of the Enua groups.

“It’s just wonderful to see how enthusiastic they are to partake, but more importantly to learn and be a part of their own culture, considering 80 per cent of these youth are either Australian born or migrated to Australia when they were much younger.”

Cook Islanders in Queensland think of home often, said Atiau.

“We are aware that there is a struggling economy back home.

“Tourism is our largest commodity, so we believe we are doing our part in promoting the Cooks and generating interest among the Australian community.

“Once the borders are open, we hope Australians will choose the Cook Islands as their preferred holiday destination.”

Atiau had not heard of any reported cases concerning Cook Islanders contracting the virus in Brisbane.

“We do know many of our people here are beginning to get home sick, so don’t be surprised if the Cooks suddenly gets an influx of our expats returning home.”

President of the Cook Islands Council of Queensland, Archie Atiau and VIP Councillor Mindy Russell. KEVIN DANDO/21102015.

Kevin Dando and his family attended the festival, and thanked the Cook Islands Council of Queensland for their perseverance.

“Te Maeva Nui literally brought our Cook Islands people together despite the challenges of Covid-19, and on the day you could feel the sense of pride and joy, especially in our young ones.

“The event provided an opportunity to give thanks and appreciation to God and to our community. It was a very emotional, unforgettable and proud day,” said Dando.