Exclusive to the island of Aitutaki, Koni Raoni translates to ‘dance around’ and involves the host village travelling through the villages on the island, dancing, singing and receiving donations during the Christmas period on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day to raise funds for their respective communities. Melina Etches reports.

On Boxing Day 2023, oire (village) Ureia performed their Koni Raoni around the island raising around $77,000.

On New Year’s Day, oire Amuri took to the road with their dancers, drummers and supporters, raising a grand total of $100,104.70.

John Kiria, leader of the Amuri Oire Auckland group from Aotearoa New Zealand, attended the Koni Raoni in Aitutaki and was pleased that they had reached their target of $100,000.

The Amuri Oire Koni Raoni donations received from each village are as follows: Vaipeka $10,645, Vaipae $19,548.40, Tautu $17,345, Nikaupara $10,348.50, Reureu $8,677, Arutanga $12,380, Ureia $19,555.00, for a total of $98,499.

More donations of $1605.70 was received at the Amuri Hall after the Koni Raoni, taking the total amount collected to over $100,000.

Well over 100 people joined in the Amuri event.

Kiria says the group held five practice sessions for their dance performances.

Oire Amuri drummers in the Aitutaki New Year’s Day Koni Raoni. TEPAERU KAITAO/24010504

“We had a new generation of dancers who found the heat quite challenging but everyone enjoyed the event.”

Kiria says the funds raised will be used for projects in the village, for the benefit of the community.

He would like to express his appreciation to the two ladies who live-streamed their event, “we are all very proud of what we managed to achieve”.

“Meitaki atupaka to the tourists, businesses and the people of Araura who supported the Roni Raoni.”

Since returning to Aitutaki to live six years ago, Tepaeru Kaitao has immersed herself in the vibrant culture and festivities on the island.

Hailing from the villages of Tautu, Ureia and Amuri, over the years Kaitao has attended 12 Koni Raoni events.

“Our people are the most special thing about the Koni Raoni,” shares Kaitao.

“Whether you’ve come in from near or a far, everyone unites together as one to fundraise for our oire (villages).

“It makes me feel proud to see the drummers are a mix of our young and older generations.

“And the joy you feel when the mamas are singing and showing the young ones that they can still shake it is so special.

“From the beginning to the end of this event all you can hear is laughter and beautiful singing, and you see enjoyment on everyone and that we are all having a great time as one big happy family.”

Texas Kuranui Nootai returned to Aitutaki to participate in the Koni Raoni for both Amuri and Ureia, honouring the memory of her grandfather, the late Vaeruarangi Ariki Teaukura Teaukura.

Nootai has participated in the Koni Raoni twice before.

Oire Ureia dancers in the Boxing Day Koni Raoni. TEPAERU KAITAO/24010511

“This time I was excited and happy to represent my grandpa’s villages because last year I danced for Arutanga,” says Nootai.

“I love the Koni Raoni and I do believe that this practice should continue and be passed down to younger generations. It is such a great event.”

On New Year’s Day, Nootai departed Aitutaki flying to Mauke to join her parents, Alana and Tearii Nootai.

Meanwhile, the Amuri Oire Aitutaki would like to acknowledge the Amuri Oire Auckland group for their generous donation of 200 new chairs.

During a visit to Aitutaki last year, Kiria noticed Amuri needed more chairs. With the help of his group, he organised to have them shipped from Auckland to the island.

Sanapu Tuaineiti, secretary of Amuri Oire Aitutaki, has expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the new chairs, which will enhance the comfort and seating capacity in their facility.

“Amuri Oire Auckland’s support is invaluable to us, and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to improving the facilities and resources available to the Amuri Oire Aitutaki,” says Tuaineiti.

“We would like to extend a special thank you to John Kiria and all the individuals involved in organising this donation. Your dedication and generosity have made a significant impact in our village and we are truly touched by your thoughtfulness.

“We look forward to continuing working together to create a positive and welcoming environment for our village.”