Traditional Māori sports featured for the first time at Cook Islands Constitution celebrations

For the first time, Emo Aito Māori, or traditional sports, were featured at Cook Islands 60th Constitution celebrations.

Competitors from different islands faced off in rock lifting, coconut husking, fruit racing and wrestling, with most participants coming from the Northern Group atoll Pukapuka.

Secretary of culture, Emile Kairua said traditional sports are increasingly being incorporated into regional events.

"We've got performances, we've got apparel, we've got the oratory parts of our culture taken care of, and now we've got sports," Kairua said.

"Our people love sports but why don't you start loving your own… it's not for everybody, but we truly hope that we can showcase it a lot bigger and a lot better."

Willie Kauvai Junior, lives in Rarotonga and represented the Northern Group island of Mitiaro. He went down to a Pukapuka competitor in the wrestling.

"These guys from Pukapuka it's part of their culture, part of where they're from. For us here in Rarotonga, it's just about going out there and giving something new a go."

The biennial multi-sports event, Cook Islands Games, has not included Emo Aito Māori, but Kauvai is hopeful it will be featured in the next games.

"Hopefully, what's started here today will be the start of the growth in the sport and I look forward to it in years to come."

Wrestling as part of Emo Aito Māori or traditional games Photo: Caleb Fotheringham

Seven-time rock lifting heavyweight champion, Pino Teapehu from Tahiti came to support the event.

Teapehu normally lifts rocks between 140kg and 160kg, but because the Cook Islands' competitors were just learning the rocks were only 100kg, he said.

Competitors are timed on how quickly they can lift the rock from the ground to their shoulder.

Nerehana Tarei came to support from Aotearoa.

"We can see the growth in it, and hopefully one day it becomes a national sport," Tarei said.