One of the best times to visit the tiny South Pacific nation of the Cook Islands is the week prior to August 4 to join the cultural festivities celebrating independence from New Zealand.  Affectionately known as Te Maeva Nui, meaning the greatest celebration, the annual Constitution Celebration lasts for a week and is the most significant cultural event on the Cook Islands calendar.

Visitors can look forward to a lively and energetic week of events commemorating the Cook Islands' achievement of self-governing territory status in free association with New Zealand. This year's events commence on Monday 28 July 2014 with the vibrant Te Maeva Nui Float Parade through the main town of Avarua. The week continues with cultural performances in the National Auditorium where the best talent from across the islands gathers to showcase their dancing and drumming skills.

Just under 15,000 people live on one of the 15 islands of the Cooks, mainly on the capital island and international gateway Rarotonga.  The islands lie across 2.2 million square kilometres of the Pacific, in the centre of Polynesia, west of Tahiti and north east of Tonga, across the international dateline.

“As Cook Islanders, sharing our culture has always been the norm and we encourage all visitors to witness these celebrations to enhance their experience and give them a greater appreciation of the Cook Islands,” said Cook Islands Tourism CEO Halatoa Fua.  “Next year's celebrations for the 50th anniversary of self-governance will be even bigger and better, so start planning that holiday now.”

Te Maeva Nui Celebrations 2014

Monday 28 July               Te Maeva Nui Float Parade

                                    Cultural Performances

Tuesday 29 July              Cook Islands Trade Day

                                    Primary School – Adopt a Sponsor Programme

                                    Cultural Performances

Wednesday 30 July         Cook Islands Trade Day
                                    Cultural Performances

Thursday 31 July             Cook Islands Trade Day
                                    Cultural Performances

Friday 1 August               Cook Islands Trade Day
                                    Cultural Performances

Saturday 2 August           Tangi Kaara/Drumming

Sunday 3 August             No events. Church services.

Monday 4 August                        PUBLIC HOLIDAY
                                    Constitution Ceremony
                                    Awards & Closing Ceremony

For further information please contact Gaynor Stanley, PEPR Publicity, 02 9380 8080 gaynor@pepr.com.au