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Vaka Eiva 2023: Paddling Festival Concludes with Sunset Celebration in Rarotonga

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 15:46 GMT by rnz

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Vaka Eiva 2023: A Paddling Festival of Culture, Community and Climate Concludes in Rarotonga

In the warm glow of a Rarotongan sunset, the Cook Islands’ celebrated Vaka Eiva paddling festival drew to a close on the final day of its three‑week run, leaving a trail of laughter, the rhythmic splash of oars and a deepened commitment to protecting the islands’ natural heritage. What began on the white‑sanded beach of Matavera on 14 July and ended on the historic marae of Te Atea on 16 July turned out to be more than a sporting event—it was a living, breathing tapestry of Pacific identity and climate resilience, wrapped in the familiar embrace of the canoe, the vaka.

A Brief History of Vaka Eiva

The name Vaka Eiva – meaning “oars and paddles” in Māori – harks back to the Cook Islands’ storied relationship with the sea. Historically, the vaka was the island’s lifeline, a conduit for trade, migration and exploration across the vast Pacific. Today, the Vaka Eiva festival has evolved into a modern showcase of traditional paddling prowess, community gathering, and an emblem of sustainable tourism.

The festival’s origins can be traced to 2009, when the Cook Islands Tourism Board and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs collaborated to revive ancient canoe‑building practices. Over the years, the festival has grown from a handful of local crews to a regional attraction that now draws paddlers from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and beyond. Each year, a “Grand Regatta” features a series of races ranging from the 1‑kilometre Puahe sprint to the 12‑kilometre Aroha endurance challenge, set against the backdrop of Rarotonga’s turquoise waters.

This Year’s Programme

The 2023 Vaka Eiva kicked off with the opening ceremony at the Rarotonga Convention Centre. The mayor of Rarotonga, Hon. Anita Tepa, opened the festival with a speech that highlighted the islands’ commitment to climate action and praised the community’s solidarity. Local musicians performed traditional siva dances, while the tangata (people) gathered for a communal kava ceremony – a ritual that underscores the cultural importance of shared nourishment.

The festival schedule was packed with activities:

In addition to the races, each day featured workshops on canoe maintenance, storytelling sessions led by matai (chiefs), and environmental seminars that addressed marine conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable tourism practices.

Community and Cultural Impact

The festival’s impact extended far beyond the finish line. According to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, over 15,000 people attended the Vaka Eiva in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year. Community volunteers—many of whom are schoolchildren—helped with everything from setting up racecourses to preparing food stalls, ensuring the event ran smoothly.

The marae on the final day hosted a “Hangi” ceremony, a traditional feast where fish and kūmara were cooked over hot stones. The gathering served as a platform for intergenerational dialogue, with elders sharing stories about life before the arrival of European explorers, and young paddlers explaining how modern technology, such as GPS navigation, had changed their approach to racing.

Local businesses also benefited. The Rarotonga Tourist Association reported a 15% boost in accommodation bookings, while local artisans saw a surge in sales of handcrafted paka (canoe seats) and woven mats. The festival’s organizers partnered with Te Rima (the Cook Islands’ tourism body) to launch a “Vaka Eiva Travel Package” that offered discounted rates on tours, encouraging visitors to experience the festival and the islands’ natural beauty.

Climate Action: Protecting the Sea

Central to Vaka Eiva 2023 was a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship. The festival’s environmental committee – composed of representatives from the Cook Islands Climate Change Secretariat, the Pacific Islands Conservation Society, and local NGOs – launched a “Blue‑Green Initiative.” The goal was to reduce single‑use plastics on the racecourse and promote the use of biodegradable materials for race gear.

During the opening ceremony, the Ministry of Environment presented a new “Marine Protection Charter” that will see the islands adopt stricter fishing regulations and create marine protected areas (MPAs) around the lagoon. The charter also pledges to support research into coral bleaching and ocean acidification – issues that pose an existential threat to the Cook Islands’ reef ecosystems.

One of the festival’s most notable environmental efforts was a partnership with the Cook Islands Waste Management Group, which organized a beach cleanup before the final race. Approximately 1,500 volunteers – including local students, teachers, and visiting dignitaries – collected over 200 kilograms of trash, most of which was recycled or disposed of responsibly.

A Global Perspective

While the festival is deeply rooted in local tradition, its ripple effects are felt across the Pacific. In a statement released on RNZ, Cook Islands’ Minister for Climate Change, Hon. John Kuriha, noted that Vaka Eiva provides a platform for Pacific leaders to discuss regional climate adaptation strategies. The festival attracted dignitaries from Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, who expressed support for the Cook Islands’ leadership in tackling sea‑level rise.

In line with this, the 2023 Vaka Eiva’s closing remarks highlighted the islands’ participation in the upcoming Pacific Climate Summit scheduled for late September in Suva, Fiji. The event will bring together Pacific leaders to debate financing mechanisms for climate adaptation, including climate bonds and green infrastructure projects.

The Future of Vaka Eiva

With its blend of sport, culture, and environmental consciousness, Vaka Eiva is set to become a cornerstone of Pacific identity. The festival’s organizers have announced plans for an expansion in 2024, including:

• New Race Categories: Introduction of a Sail‑Vaka category to incorporate modern hybrid vessels, appealing to younger generations.
• Digital Engagement: A live‑streaming platform to reach global audiences, with interactive commentary and real‑time metrics on paddlers’ performance.
• Education Program: Partnerships with universities such as the University of the South Pacific to provide research opportunities on marine science and cultural anthropology.

As the Cook Islands continue to champion sustainability and cultural heritage, Vaka Eiva stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when a community paddles together toward a common goal.

Key Takeaways

Vaka Eiva 2023 has demonstrated that sport can be a powerful catalyst for community cohesion and climate advocacy. As the Cook Islands’ waters shimmer with the reflection of a setting sun, the paddles on the lagoon’s surface ripple in harmony, echoing the enduring rhythm of Pacific culture and the collective hope for a sustainable future.