Fifty-six years after his late father held the title, Tekeu Maki Tekeu, 68, was yesterday invested with the Ta Mataiapo title of Matavera.

Tekeu was peacefully, without any verbal objections, invested as the mataiapo yesterday morning on Marae Te Arakura in Matavera.

The investiture ceremony was witnessed by around 100 family members.

Since his father Maki Ta Tekeu passed away in 1968, no one has been invested with the title.

Tekeu said his uncle Teoe Tekeu was the caretaker of the title after his father died, followed by his sister, Maara Peri Vaevaepare until she passed away.

He was nominated to take on the title and it was up to the family to decide, Tekeu’s sister Taungarai “Tau” said.

Tekeu said: “My experience, to be honest with you, is because I put God first … that led me to strongly get this title.”

“It has been a tug of war between families and I think God led me to do something, he had a plan for me. That’s why I don’t really worry about the title.

“For me, I think the most important thing is to be humble, to be kind, and learn the truth, be honest with everything and follow the truth, that really motivates me.

“The family elected me and God chose me.”

Tekeu and his sister Taungarai both said they had never experienced preparing for a traditional investiture, having grown up in Aotearoa.

The siblings are grateful to the Matavera Member of Parliament Vaitoti Tupa for his guidance and for being the emcee for the occasion.

Ta Tekeu Mataiapo reflected on the passing of his father and is proud to continue the legacy of his father, and embrace his cultural identity.

Born in Matavera, Tekeu is the youngest of eight siblings. His mother Tamaine (nee Tutai) died when he was very young.

He left Rarotonga at a young age for Aotearoa New Zealand where he married Tuanga (nee Natini Samuel), who sadly passed away last year. They have eight children.