The cultural investiture ceremony of 78-year-old David Tuaeu with the traditional title of Tamaiva Mataiapo was held last month at the new Tamaiva marae in Murivai, Tupapa.

Tuaeu hails from the “Rea” tribe, the youngest of the five tribes of Tetupuariki, Amaru, Marona, Teura and Rea.

Simiona Teiotu, Tama Akatere, was “happy” with the event which ran smoothly without any objections.

In preparation for the investiture held on Saturday, September 28, the family had to build a new Tamaiva Mataiapo marae site due to the objection from a landowner of the previous marae site located up the road.

The huge stone that was sitting on the previous marae was relocated to the new marae site.

Teiotu said: “The good thing is the significance of this piece of land where the new marae is. We are landowners here and no one can chase us off.”

There are plans to confirm the Tamaiva Mataiapo marae area as a reserve for the family, ensuring its use as a marae for generations to come, he adds. A residence behind the marae is also in the pipeline.

Bishop Tutai Pere conducted the opening prayer and the blessing of the marae.

The previous Tamaiva Mataiapo title holder was the late Iotia Atera from 2017 to 2022.

Representatives from the tribes participated in the investiture programme. They were: Pure Akamata Bishop Tutai Pere, akatapu-anga te marae – Bishop Tutai Pere, takaianga marae – Tamaiva Mataiapo. Te Akatao’anga: Tapeka i te Riri Vaevae – Rea – Trish Kautai and sibling, Tapeka i te Pareu – Teura – Leon Johnson, Tapeka i te Tatua-anga Pakuivi – Marona – Nooroa Tauira, Oronga i te Tairiiri – Amaru – Mama Mii, Oronga i te Korare – Tetupu – William Taripo, Akaei i te ei Katu Maire – Araiti Mataiapo Peta Ponga, Tipu i te Mimiti Puaka – Rea – Boy Tuaeu, Oronga i te Mimiti Puaka – Junior Teiotu, Pure Akatapu’anga – Pastor Clerk Tangiura Turua, Reo Akameitaki – Tamaiva Mataiapo David Tuaeu, Potikitaua Anau Manarangi e Pi Mataiapo Tenga Epi.