The two Aitutaki villages of Vaipeka and Vaipae collected over $200,000 from the Koni Raoni events held on Boxing Day and the New Year’s Day.

The Koni Raoni (dance around) event is a festive celebration that takes place every year on the beautiful island of Aitutaki. It serves as a form of traditional gathering during the Christmas and New Year period.

The celebrations continue to improve each year, with donated funds reaching higher levels to support the island's needs when required.

This year, the pre total amount raised from the Vaipeka Koni Raoni reached a successful $86,281.90 by the end of Boxing Day, with more expected to be received later that evening.

Following this, on New Year’s Day, the pre total for the Vaipae Koni Raoni reached a monstrous $114,327.08, which was announced publicly.

In total, the two villages raised $200,608.98.

However, an abundance of cashflow continued to flood in even after the event concluded.

• Nicolea Mateariki

Pre-total collections

Boxing Day Vaipeka Koni Raoni 2024: Pre-Results (from each village) – Vaipae $24,030.00, Tautu $12,617.10, Nikaupara $10,020.20, Reureu $8,584.00, Arutanga $8,651.60, Ureia $10,05.00, Amuri $12,374.00. Pre-total $86,281.90.

New Year Vaipae Koni Raoni 2025: Pre-Results – Vaepae $15,394.00, Vaipeka $25,375.00, Tautu $15,295.10, Nikaupara $10,115.66, Reureu $8,505.00, Arutanga $8,770.50, Ureia $11,185.80, Amuri $19,686.02. Pre-total $114,327.08