Kia Orana Day 2025 centred on cultural performances delivered by two groups representing the two main geographical areas within the Cook Islands. Photo: Positively Pacifica
The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand, joined hundreds of Cook Islanders and people from all walks of life to celebrate Cook Islands culture, community, and connection at the 2025 Kia Orana Day.
The event was held on Saturday at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, Wellington.
Kia Orana Day 2025 lead coordinator and director, proud Cook Islander Douglas Robati, shared the organising committee's inspiration and deep passion for empowering our Cook Islands communities through connection, and for passing on the knowledge of our reo tupuna (language), ura (dance), and imene (song) to the mapu (youth) and tamariki (children).
Robati expressed that "the heart of Kia Orana Day lies in creating space for our younger generation to lead, perform, and keep our culture alive."
Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kairangi Samuela who officially opened the event reflected on Cook Islands' journey to statehood, with 2025 marking the 60th anniversary of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.
She drew synergies between the Kia Orana Day 2025 celebration and this year's commemorative theme: Kua kite au i tōku tūrangā, e Avaiki tōku - I know who I am, I have a home.
Samuela said the Kia Orana Day event beautifully celebrated our culture, traditions, and identity as Cook Islands people, and the deep connections that tie our people to our homeland-while at the same time empowering strong Cook Islands communities, confident in their identity and contributing across various spheres in Aotearoa New Zealand.
She acknowledged the hard work and voluntary dedication of the organisers, cultural leaders, performers, volunteers, parents, youth, and children who brought Kia Orana Day to life.
The two performing groups had rehearsed extensively over the past three months, and their efforts shone through during the performances showcased on the day.
Kia Orana Day 2025 centred on cultural performances delivered by two groups representing the two main geographical areas within the Cook Islands: Pa Enua Tokerau-the northern islands (Manihiki, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau, Palmerston Islands, Penrhyn); and Pa Enua Tonga-the southern islands (Rarotonga, Mitiaro, Mauke, Atiu, Mangaia, Aitutaki). Each group performed Imene Tuki, Kapa Rima, Ura Pa'u, Tangi Ka'ara, and Pe'e.
The storytelling prowess was evident in the songs, dance, and choreography, with the organising committee allocating greater time and leadership roles to youth and children this year. Performances followed the traditional uapou style-where one group performs for the other, followed by a responding performance. The final act was a unified performance by both groups, symbolising one people united through song, dance, and identity as Cook Islanders.
The event also featured arts and crafts stalls selling Cook Islands artwork and handicrafts, while food stalls served various Cook Islands delicacies during the intermission break.
"The faces of our people, beaming with national pride as they performed and enjoyed the performances - our tamariki, our elders - it was a proud day to be among our people," said Samuela.
"Our Christian faith, our culture, our traditions, and our vibrant communities were gloriously showcased on Kia Orana Day. Our traditions and values are the bedrock of our people's resilience, and it is that foundation-through initiatives like Kia Orana Day-that will support our children well into the future."
The Cook Islands High Commission has congratulated the organisers of Kia Orana Day 2025 and all the performers and supporters, as well as partners who helped bring the event to life.
-This article was first published by Cook Islands News
