Cook Islands Development Agency: Akirata Ou - A New Dawn

Cook Islands Development Agency NZ in association with oneEVENTS Presents Akirata Ou - A New Dawn

Manukau, July 30, 2013 – CIDANZ (Cook Islands Development Agency NZ) will present the Akirata Ou Festival, taking place at Vodafone Pacific Events Centre, Manukau between the 8th & 10th of August 2013.

Between the 4th & 10th of August 2013 Cook Islanders in New Zealand celebrate their language and culture during the National Cook Islands Language week -. This year promises to be one of the biggest celebrations of culture and heritage, integrating language, music, dance, crafts, food and so much more with the Akirata Ou Festival.

The Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) are spearheading the festival week as part of their mission to unite and create prosperity for the people of the Cook Islands, while celebrating the unique identities of each of the 15 islands that make up this nation.

CIDANZ will also use the festival to launch the oneBRAND social enterprises - over 10 separate enterprises aimed at improving the wellbeing of the Cook Islands people in New Zealand.

Throughout the lively week, each of the oneBRAND initiatives will showcase development opportunities that enable community enterprise and social innovation.

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the festival is Te Maeva Nui, a cultural group dance competition where 5 island and village groups vie for the 2013 champion title.

According to cultural expert Tepoave Araitia, the Te Maeva Nui will draw crowds by the thousands as it does when it is held in Rarotonga. “Each island group or vaka is fiercely supportive when it comes time to compete” he says.

Te Maeva Nui hosted by oneEVENTS, will be held on the 10th of August from 8.30am. oneMARKET will be held on the evening of the 9th of August from 6pm to 10pm, and on Saturday 10th of August from 8.30am to 10pm. As part of the Akirata Ou festival short films from the Cook Islands will be shown at the Film Raro showcase – Friday 9th at 6.pm.

About Cidanz
The Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand was formed in 2011. The agency is a platform for Cook Islanders to enroll in avenues that will benefit their health, wealth and well-being; becoming sustainable members of society.

Information
• Cook Islands Language Week runs from the 4th to 10th August.
• The Akirata Ou Festival runs in conjunction with the Cook Islands language week.
• Film Raro will showcase a collection of short films from Rarotonga of Friday 9th August from 6:00PM.
• oneMARKET will present the first Cook Islands night market on the evening of Friday 9th from 6PM
• oneEVENTS will host the Te Maeva Nui celebrations on Saturday 10th August from 9AM.
• oneAWARDS will celebrate the achievements of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand on the evening of Saturday 10th August.

Promotional and informational videos can be found online at our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cook-Islands-Development-Agency-NZ/472610859498718?fref=ts

ENDS

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