A pe’e led by Turori (Matutu’s son), chanted by the family tribe and accompanied by drums, led the entourage of warriors, taunga and Mataiapo (a hereditary chiefly title) to the marae during yesterday’s investiture ceremony at the Ko Oro Vena marae in Arai-Te -Tonga.

The ceremony was led by Taunga - Tangianau Tuapata and George Paniani, with the participation of the other six Mataiapo of Arai-Te-Tonga.

For 25 years, Matutu had held the responsibility of  ‘komono’ (caretaker/representative) for the former Teava Mataiapo - the late Terangi Kopu Pakari, who passed away on August 5, 2020.

Over 300 raurau (kikau plates) laden with food cooked in the umu (underground oven) were shared to guests after the ceremony.

To conclude the investiture, Koa Kopu - whose father was the late Terangi Kopu the former Teava Mataiapo title, was officially pronounced with the traditional name of ‘komono’ (caretaker or person who represents the Mataiapo).

Teava Mataiapo George Matutu felt overwhelmed at the akamarokura’anga (investiture) ceremony which was held yesterday afternoon at the Ko Ora Vena marae in Arai-Te Tonga

Back in February, he had been selected by the tribal family to be the successor of the traditional title.

Teava Mataiapo is one of the seven Mataiapo for Arai-Te-Tonga, the others are: Pi Mataiapo, Tamaiva Mataiapo, Uirangi Mataiapo, Vakapora Mataiapo, Taraare Mataiapo and Kamoe Mataiapo.

Matutu was born in 1953 in the village of Tupapa, he is one of 10 children - the seventh child and only son of Matutu George Turori from Ureia, Aitutaki and his mother who hails from the Kopu Pakari line.

He is appreciative of all his sisters who have travelled from overseas to attend the investiture and assist with the preparations.