Monday 19 May 2025 | Written by Nicolea Mateariki | Published in Art, Features, French Polynesia, Regional, Weekend
A group of 32 visitors from Rimatara. NICOLEA MATEARIKI/ 25051645
The group was welcomed by the Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) Atiu students as well as the Areora Maidens with fresh flower ei’s from the village and big smiles, and warm greetings. The island came together as one to help host the visitors with the real island delicacy, providing fresh fruits for breakfast and filling meals for lunch and dinner. The host also set out traditional activities for the group to participate in, including agricultural labour, planting, harvesting as well as carving traditional bowls to exchange the important knowledge that have passed on from generations before.
Papa Taupuni led this activity in preparation for the 50-year celebration of the Taunga Nui Harbour in Atiu that will be held on August 8.
One of the main reasons the group have visited Atiu is to establish a close relationship between the two islands with the focus of cultural exchange and a bigger focus on the Manu Kura bird that was migrated to Atiu from Rimatara.
Here Mana, a Culture Teacher said, “The program has been very good so far and I am very happy to be here. The food has been amazing since we arrived in Atiu, visiting the different sites on the island reminds me of home in Rimatara, the different sites are very beautiful because it is my first time here.
“Despite the language barrier I am grateful for the people who try to understand and make us feel welcomed.
Mana said, “One of my highlights is the Mama’s doing the string band whenever we eat, because that’s one of my many talents is playing the instruments , Ukulele, To’ere (Tokere), Fa’akete (Pau’mango), Pahu (Pa’u) and many more. “If I can speak in Rimatara or French I’ll be saying more things on how amazing the program is and we are very grateful to the people for hosting us”.