Family reunions hold a special place in our hearts, serving as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie us together, no matter the distance.

This Christmas, Tupuna Tou (nee Rampling, nee Kaupo) from Matavera, was delighted and overwhelmed to have all her three sons in Rarotonga to celebrate the festive season.

Tupuna was born and raised in Nukuroa/Mitiaro to parents Metuaone Tou and Tutai (nee Pavai). She is the second eldest of 13 children and has three children and five grandchildren.

Steve Rampling, the eldest son, flew in from China, and John Rampling, the second eldest, flew in from Australia, to join their mother and youngest brother, Stephano Rampling, who both live in Rarotonga, for the Christmas season.

The last time Tupuna and her sons were all together was over a decade ago in 2008, for her marriage to the late Joe Arataura Kaupo, who passed away in Rarotonga a few years ago.

“It was a blessing to have all my boys here, all of us together for this Christmas,” said Tupuna.

Frank Joseph Rampling, the father of the boys, was a police officer in Wellington, New Zealand, who passed away over a decade ago.

The Rampling side of the family from Aotearoa New Zealand also joined the Tou Rampling reunion.

The Rampling and Tou family reunion celebrated Christmas Day with friends and family in Matavera. MELINA ETCHES/24122605

This reunion was not just a celebration of the Christmas season but a cherished opportunity to reconnect, reminisce and create new memories.

“I hadn’t seen the Rampling side of the family for about 20 years,” said Tupuna.

“This was a beautiful get together for all of us, seeing my sister-in-law again and her kids and their children. It’s good for my boys to reconnect with their father’s side of the family.”

Tupuna was also happy to have her sister, Mata Tou Rani and her family, and her brother, Middlemore, join in the Christmas Day festivities.

Three of the Metuaone and Tutai Tou siblings from Mitiaro celebrate Christmas Day in Rarotonga. From left: Tupuna Tou, Middlemore Tou, and Mata Tou Rani. MELINA ETCHES/24122616

The centrepiece of the Christmas Day feast was a delicious pig on the spit, its golden skin crackling to perfection, and an array of home cooked popular island dishes, hearty sides and yummy desserts – a reminder of the joy of sharing a meal together in celebration of Christmas.

“Moments like these are important, it’s been good to see everyone together,” Tupuna said.