Transcript
Each year since 1965, Cook Islanders have annually marked Te Maeva Nui, which means "the big celebration".
And last Thursday, it was no different for those who reside in New Zealand.
Ms Wichman says the event sees the islanders celebrate their culture and language through song and dance.
She says the festival benefits young Cook Islanders.
"I see kids off the streets because they've got a focus, they're learning their culture. They're learning their language. They live here but they know that they're Cook Islanders and that they have their identity."
Organiser Duane Evans says Te Maeva Nui is huge in the Cook Islands with celebrations held over a week.
He says there are about 10,000 people living in the Cook Islands and "everyone comes from the outer islands to participate in the festival".
"It's a festive time. It's a way of bringing your culture, your language and your whanau together. Your families all come back together. This festival includes not just the young ones, but it's the parents, the mamas, the generations all in one group."
For the first time, the Te Maeva Nui honoured the achievements of Cook Islands women from around the world.
Mr Evans says the women were recognised for their contributions to all aspects of Cook Islands' life in and outside the homeland
"We're here to celebrate our vahine rangatia. These women have worked behind the scenes tirelessly over the years but never been recognized. Some of these leaders have been recognized in certain areas.
"We've got people from sports, media, politics, but also arts, culture, and community, you know, and there's so many other areas that we want to recognize people."
Mr Evans says eight groups took part in the festival - each with more than 100 people.
He says they included not just Cook Islanders - there were Samoans, Tongans, Tahitians and Hawaiians among the dance groups.
