In a heartfelt gesture, the Ngāti Maoate tribe, closely connected to the Mata’afa line of Samoa, has gifted a special gift upon the Samoan community in Rarotonga. Representing Ngāti Maoate, Maoate Mataiapo Kiriau Turepu presented an acre of titiled land in Titikaveka to the Samoan community. It’s worth mentioning that Turepu’s familial ties trace back to the late Lafala Mata’afa, making this gift even more meaningful.
The motivation behind the gift, Turepu emphasised that the land is intended for both the extended Samoan family of Ngāti Maoate and the broader Samoan community. The purpose is to provide a space where they can construct a hall or a home, fostering a sense of ownership and belonging.
Even though not everyone in the family was on board with this decision, Turepu was happy that most of them supported his idea.
The big announcement happened when the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, was visiting during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. It made the whole thing even more special.
Descendants Jannette Browne and Gina Keenan Williams, from the late Lafala Vaailua Mata’afa, were really proud and moved by the announcement. Williams said it was a “beautiful gesture” and felt really heartwarming.
The event took place at the Pa Ariki Palace in Ngatangiia, where Ngāti Maoate hosted Mata’afa and the Governor of American Samoa and his team. They exchanged traditional gifts like pareu, ei pupu, tivaivai, and tifatara, adding a special touch to the occasion.
After the ceremony, Mata’afa joined a welcoming dinner at Ariki Café, hosted by the Samoan community. Everyone was excited and happy about the news of their new “gifted” land.
