Aitutaki played host to a heartfelt reunion from December 20 to 26, 2024, as former pupils of Amuri School gathered to commemorate their 60th birthday and relive cherished memories from their school days.

The Amuri School Uki Aviri 64^th Reunion brought together 32 alumni, marking a significant milestone in their lives and in the school’s history.

The reunion, which was initially conceived in late 2023, saw 15 alumni sign up, though a few from Australia were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

Despite the challenges, the spirit of unity and camaraderie remained strong among those who made the journey to Aitutaki, according to Mataiti Mataiti, one of the event’s organisers.

In an interview with the Cook Islands News, Mataiti shared his thoughts on the reunion.

“The idea of a class reunion popped into my mind, and after a conversation with a colleague, it quickly grew into a reality. The Amuri School motto, mamae oti toou kaokao, tauta tauta tauta rae, which means ‘even if you fail, do not let failure stop you, but let it give you the courage to move forward’, has been a guiding principle for us,” he said.

For many attendees, the reunion was not only a chance to reconnect with old friends and classmates but also an opportunity to celebrate reaching the age of 60 together.

“It’s a reunion full of fond memories, and we are grateful to be able to gather on the very ground where it all started back in 1964. Unfortunately, four of our former classmates and teachers have passed on, but their memories continue to live on with us," Mataiti added.

This event was a reminder of the strong bond shared among the alumni, a testament to the lasting impact of Amuri School in shaping their lives.

Though it was the first reunion of its kind, those who attended are already looking forward to future gatherings, knowing that the legacy of their school days will always remain close to their hearts.

With the support of their fellow alumni, the former students of Amuri school are hopeful that it can spread the spirit of unity, and the importance of celebrating milestones with loved ones.