Nearly thirty years have passed since their carefree days of primary school, yet the memories remain bright in those who shared laughter, and adventure in those early years.

Over 30 students of the Avatea School Form 2 Room 10 class from 1996, held a reunion last month to reconnect, reminisce and recall stories of when they were there and where they are now.

The reunion was organised by a local committee led by Ani Thompson, the Regional Manager, Rarotonga at Pacific Resort Hotel Group.

Plans began early in the year, with tasks shared among the team.

Tutu Inamata, one of the students said everything went smoothly, with no challenges, and only good memories to share.

“This reunion was inspired by Tania Win who lives in New Zealand, and who just loves bringing people together,” said Inamata.

He said while there was a small reunion in 2017 for these Avatea students, this year’s event was much bigger, lasting five days with daily activities.

“My highlight was reconnecting with old friends and talking about our childhood memories,” Inamata said.

“It was good to see familiar faces, share stories, and laugh about the good old times in our primary school days.”

The teachers for the Avatea Form 2 class of 1996 were Teina Etches, Robert Savage, Mr Kura, Pauline Pureau, Ms Maoate, and Dan Turua.

Inamata said the five-day event began with an evening gathering at the Vaiana Bistro and Bar attended by former teachers Teina Etches and Robert Savage.

The reunion also paid their respects to classmates who have passed on – Trainee Rakanui, Teau Samuel, PJ Graham, and Rubena Rubena.

In October 2013, Avatea School suffered an arson attack forcing students to combine with Nikao School.

The proposal to combine the neighbouring schools followed the extensive damage to Avatea School in the fire which has since been declared an act of arson.

In 2013, the cabinet submission to merge Apii Avatea and Apii Nikao was approved.

On day two the classmates raised $1,450 for Apii Nikao and presented the old primary school Prince of Wales sports champion trophy which Avatea had held for 32 consecutive years.

A private lagoon cruise in Muri on Captain Tama’s glass bottom boat, a safari tour, party bus event and dinner at Castaway were all part of the fun activities.

Most of the 1996 Avatea Form 2 students live in Rarotonga; and six flew  in from overseas. The reunion attendees were Tania Win, Fiona Matutu, Tutu Inamata, Tehina (nee Pittman) Barnett, Ben Makimare, John Dando, Manarii Etches, Tiare Mose, Rani Ponini, Apii Pita, Ani Thompson, Tea Crocombe, John Shepherd, Belinda Williams, Charles Manarangi Trott, Danny Raina, Iobu Raita, Josephine Jessie, Kura Manavaroa, Kiya Faireka, Poko Nelio, Sandra Tisam, Turi Henderson, Apii Tarai, Apii Utanga, and Nikau Tangaroa.