Te Maeva Nui parade at the Punanga Nui

Participants in Te Maeva Nui float parade assembled at the Punanga Nui market before they prepared to march up to the official opening at the Are Kareoi Nui aka the National Auditorium.
Dignitaries at the ceremony were the Queen’s Representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin and Lady Goodwin, president of the House of Ariki, Tou Ariki and his wife, acting Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate and Lady Maoate; Minister of Cultural Development, Hon Robert Wigmore and Mrs Wigmore.
The ceremony will culminate with the lighting of Te Maeva Nui flame by the acting Prime Minister who will declare the Constitution celebrations officially open.
Closing prayer will be from the president of the Religious Advisory Council.
Tonight (Friday 11 September) is opening night with performances from Mauke, Nikao, Arorangi, Pukapuka and Fiji. Saturday night will be the Phillipines, Manihiki, Mangaia, Aitutaki and Tongareva with reserve seats at only $15 per night.