Te Rua O Te Tonga have welcomed their new Pu Tapere/Leader of their sub-district with a special feast at their meeting house celebrated by more than 100 of the tapere’s residents.

Tables were laden with food and seats filled as the small community gathered to support their new, young Pu Tapere, Andy Kapi.

Andy’s grandfather the late Papa Tangi Kapi (November 29, 1937 – October 27, 2024) had held the Pu Tapere title for 18 years since 2006 until he passed away last year.

Bravely stepping into the role, Andy gave his first public speech addressing the people of Ruatonga at the special event.

“I do believe God does work in mysterious ways,” said Andy.

“I’m honoured and humbled to be nominated and supported as the Pu Tapere of Te Rua O Te Tonga.”

He shared that his grandfather would often ask him to take over as the Pu Tapere when he dies.

“Each time, I would tell him that I didn’t feel worthy enough to take up the role,” said Andy.

“I’m not a church person like you, I struggle to speak in public, and I’m not fluent in our language.”
He said his grandfather reminded him: “you can do anything if you put God first and set your mind and heart to it”.”

Andy said Ruatonga is a treasured home for their families and their future.

“I believe in a tapere where every voice is heard and every family feels supported.

“God has given me this opportunity and I will do my best to honour this role, to serve our people with humility and dedication, and to uphold the values that my grandfather and our ancestors have passed on.”

He added that he is looking forward to learning more about the responsibilities of his role, representing and serving everyone in Ruatonga well.

Anautoa Rangatira Tuaine Unuia called the tapere meeting on January 23, 2024, to conduct the nomination process for the new Pu Tapere.

Unuia said around 10 names were put forward and all declined to be nominated.

Uirangi Mataiapo Lefou Jack nominated Andy Kapi and everyone present agreed.

Unuia said the role of the Pu Tapere is to look after the tapere in a fair and respectful manner, it’s a supportive role for the community.

When the Pu Tapere is absent the responsibility will fall onto Anautoa Rangatira.

Uirangi Mataiapo Lefou Jack said Andy is an action man who doesn’t talk much. He just gets things done.

“Andy was always with his papa working with him, and he ended up taking over his papa’s planting, cleaning the meeting house and attending the funerals and functions in the tapere.

“Although he’s young we will help him, he’ll be fine, he’ll be teaching our kids to the next generations when we are gone,” said Jack.

Deputy prime minister and Member of Parliament for Ruatonga-Avatiu-Palmerston-Panama and Atupa, Albert Nicholas said he would like to see Andy continue what he has been doing for his grandfather and over time he will learn more.

“He’s a hard worker. My role will be to support him as I did for his grandfather,” said Nicholas.

“It’s exciting. What’s impressive is I can see that just about the whole village has come out to support him and this tells me he is the right person.”

Makea Karika George Ariki, Rosie Blake, Clerk of Parliament Tangata Vainerere, CICC Reverends and guests attended the event.

The late Manarangi Nicholas BEM was the Pu Tapere from 1978 -2006 (28 years). He was fondly known as “Uncle Mangi” and as the Mayor of Te Rua O Te Tonga.

Before Nicholas, William Frederic Utanga (born in 1902 and died in 1978), also known as Papa Fred/Pereti Utanga was the Pu Tapere from 1957 - 1978.

In October, 2017, the village celebrated the 60th anniversary of their beloved meeting house Te Rua O Te Tonga.