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Des Ratima, the chair of Nga Marae o Heretaunga, says it's one of a number of initiaitves that have come together from the iwi hosting new week's Te Matatini compettions.
He says discussions with the Pa Ariki, the traditional leader of the Cook islands, and the country's agriculture minister show there is great hope for the future of the relationship.
"We need to be looking forward, so how can we as connected people living in two parts of the world, convert this into opportunities for both, similar to the taniwha dragon korero that Ngahiwi has put together for that relationship. This is our relationship with our own people…"
The weekend also features the continuation of the Herenga Waka Festival in Napier, with waka Art Deco salining, waka ama races and the free Kahungunu Water-Borne Show at the Ahuriri Lagoon on Sunday.
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