Listening to the sombre peal of the church bells on Gospel day, Regina Potini was overwhelmed and overcome with emotion.

“It was only at that very moment when I heard the bells that I felt so humble, proud and emotional to be an Aitutakian and actually be here to be part of our 200- year celebration of the Gospel.”

Potini is the Secretary General of the Aitutaki Bi-Centennial Organising Committee (ABC) and Media coordinator, and is one of the many hardworking personnel involved in the historical event,

Chairman of the Bi-Centennial Organising Committee Pastor Charlie Taamo was humbled and heartened by the supportive and emotional online comments from families overseas who although were unable to attend, sent through their support and congratulations.

Although there were some challenges along the way, at the end of the day “e mea rikiriki”, those issues become only little things compared to the success of the celebrations. Said Taamo.

One of the challenges was having to deal with the effects of Covid-19 in terms of the travel restrictions for Cook Islanders living abroad and could not participate in the event.

“We are thankful that the Pa Enua groups are here with us, it is a blessing to have them here,” said Taamo.

“We are happy and proud to see the people come together, the different churches come together, and the community and everyone work together as one to enjoy the celebrations.

“Kua ta te pito kite ngai okotai, kua itiki te Evangeria, kua itiki te enua, te iti tangata kite ngai okotai…”

“Our focus was on the commemoration and celebration of 200 years since the arrival of Christianity to our island… ta Araura e moemoea, e kua tuku i te Porua, kua oti,” Pastor Taamo said.

The Mayor of Aitutaki Tekura Bishop thanks the Lord for his blessings for this special occasion.

“To everyone who supported this historic event, to our Government, to our people overseas, New Zealand and Australia, who shared tears of joy we know their hearts are here with us and to the whole of the Cook Islands,” said Bishop.

“We send our sincere appreciation to the Pa Enua who are here with us, without them, this event wouldn’t have been how it is…“kua ariki mai ratou te kura tei kave iatu kia ratou… the invitation was conveyed to them which they accepted and for which we are grateful,” said Bishop.

Bishop acknowledged the konitara - the Island Council, who have whole heartedly supported the Bi-Centennial, the hardworking staff, the media crew managed by Regina Potini, the Ministry of Culture and everyone.

“Congratulations to all those involved in the Cook Islands for your contribution towards our successful celebrations – for us all.

“In a few years we will join Atiu and Nga-Pu-Toru for their 200 year celebration of the arrival of Christianity to their islands.

“Kua papa a Araura, no teia kura te ka tamai mei Atiu, Mauke e Mitiaro,” Aitutaki are preparing to receive invitations from the islands of Nga-Pu-Toru,” Bishop said.

The committee and the people of Aitutaki have had very little rest and have a few more days to go to reach the closing of the programme on Monday, November 1.