Community celebrates as Pepeu Makirai Aliki takes the helm in Pukapuka

Pepeu Makirai Aliki, Makirai Henry, was invested as the new Aliki of Pukapuka/Te Ulu o Te Watu yesterday morning, with the support of the entire community including neighbouring Nassau.

Around 400 people attended the significant ceremony which included a small contingent from the neighbouring atoll of Nassau.

Makirai Henry comes from the fourth line of the Aliki tribe – the Liita line. He was elected the new Aliki in June 2022.

The investiture was conducted by the village Loto and the Papa Aliki (Council of Chiefs) of Pukapuka together with the Religious Advisory Council.

Last week, the island held an unveiling ceremony for the previous title holder, Pakitonga Tetio Kaitala Paulo Iti Aliki, who passed away in 2021.