On the island of Ma’uke, also known as Akatokamanava, 78-year-old Mii Tua (née Tairea) cherishes her quiet, simple life on the land where she was born.

Born on Ma’uke on August 25, 1945, to parents Ngametua Nootai and Pirioi Tairea, Mii has 10 children.

One of her granddaughters lives with her in their home in the village of Oiretumu, next door to the CICC Ziona “The Divided Church”, while one of her grandsons lives nearby.

On Christmas Day, the village of Kimiangatau hosted the island’s annual Teretere event, welcoming the people from Oiretumu to their individual homes with specially made food and drinks.

The visiting village walks to every home, singing and dancing. On New Year’s Day, Oiretumu hosted the Teretere.

In early December, Mii attended one of her grandchildren’s 21^st birthday on Rarotonga.

She said her children tried to convince her to stay longer, but she refused, not wanting to miss the Teretere and “get my table ready”.

Every year she looks forward to the Teretere and never wants to miss hosting a table at her home.

She is also happy to see the Teretere tradition, which has been happening for generations.

During the Christmas and New Year period, the island also enjoys a “Pikinik” (picnic) day at the beach – the two villages hold their picnic on separate days.

Following the “pikinik”, people pile onto a truck which drives through the other village with everyone dancing and singing, residents go out to the road to meet the truck and offer donations.

Mii said in the old days they didn’t have trucks so after the picnic people would gather at a home and carry on the party.

“Tamataora ki te ora rua i te poponkgi, kare oki au te vaine kaikava, noo ua au no te mataora,” (In her younger days, although she didn’t drink, she would join in the party, sometimes until 2am enjoying the festivities).

Mii has a deep affection for Ma’uke, loving its simplicity and the easy-going good nature of its people.

Content with her peaceful life on the island, she says it is the people who make Ma’uke a good place, “ko te tangata te mea meitaki”.