The resilience and unity of the Cook Islanders across the globe is being celebrated at the Te Maeva Nui festival in New Zealand this weekend.
Over 100 performers are competing on stage at Auckland's Barfoot and Thompson Stadium.
The event opened on Friday night and will continue all day on Saturday with thousands expected to turnout for the performances and the accompanying food and arts and crafts market.
Eleisha Foon spoke with Festival Director Duane Wichman-Evans and asked him what Te Maeva Nui was all about.
Te Maeva Nui 2021 kicked off in Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday night Photo: RNZ/ Jogai Bhatt
