Okirua Naea’s greatest wish is that his children had met the man who raised him into the father he is today.

The 34-year-old Naea, a father of three, lost his dad over a decade ago before his wife gave birth to their firstborn.

On this Father’s Day, he reminisces on the lessons his father taught him, which he believes are the reason why he becomes better and better in his own fatherhood.

“I hundred per cent wish they had met my dad,” Naea tells Cook Islands News.

“My kids haven’t met my dad so it’s kind of different but what I’ve learned from him is always to take care of your family and support them and enjoy time with friends.”

Despite the absence of his father, Naea is grateful for the relationship he formed with his father-in-law, a second chance at the father-son bond that he cherishes and loves dearly.

“It’s been good, at the moment he has passed way and the next best thing is having my father-in-law so it’s been good so far,” he says.

Naea had his first child at the age of 26 and says fatherhood has been a blessing. He has been counting his blessings as a father since the first time he held his firstborn in his hands.

“It’s a blessing for me having kids and being a father figure to them has been an amazing journey and a good opportunity.”

But Naea, a dedicated sportsperson and a keen fisherman, acknowledges that there are challenges along the way.

“Challenges will be just having time to get away from work, the daily lifestyle just to spend time with them. Coming back from work, just like everyone else, we’re tired but the kids have the energy to play and so I can’t be there to play with them and be with them because I’m always tired.”

For Naea and his little family, culture and religion play a huge role in their lives and upbringing, and they are guiding their children in these areas.

“The parents should get the kids away from technology, for me, I hate my kids being on the phone so I just get the kids out and do the chores, play with other kids because my wife brings a lot of kids home so it really helps keep them away from television,” he says.

“I encourage other parents to do things with your kids, have time to spend with them and do those small things with them even if it’s just little because small things matter.

“My message to the fathers is to love your family, love your kids, spend time with them, and just enjoy the moment.”