The Boaza family from Atiu was thrilled to host their first-ever family reunion, bringing together 120 relatives from Atiu, Australia, New Zealand and Rarotonga from December 14th to 17th.

The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Tangata Nekeare Boaza (Poata) Tutaka and his wife Tetuaaumata Boaza (nee Matunga Teina), gathered at the Atiu Hostel in Tupapa to celebrate their heritage and strengthen family bonds.

Many met each other for the first time.

Matunga Tainga Boaza, who travelled from Melbourne, Australia, was proud and humbled to meet many of his nieces and nephews for the first time.

“This is the first reunion for our family, from my paternal grandparents’ line. I believe family reunions are important for the benefit of our children, grandchildren and the future generation,” said Boaza.

“This time we are now the Pa Metua. Our parents have already passed away so we are the parents now for our tribe, the ones who have the family and cultural knowledge to give to our kids so our kids will know where they come from and how they are related to one another.

“It is an honour and privilege for me to see all my nieces and nephews here, we are getting to know one another and I am grateful this has happened.”

The reunion was inspired through discussions between Boaza and his brothers Turua Ngatupuna and Pouai Boaza in 2021.

Boaza’s grandparents Tangata Nekeare Boaza (Poata) Tutaka and Tetuaaumata Boaza had six children: Matapakia (f), Tangata Kuraia (m), Tapukana Ariki (m), Ngatupuna (m), Teremoana (f), and Moetaua. His father is the fourth child, Ngatupuna.

His parents had nine children, five have passed away. Boaza is the fifth child.

Boaza and his siblings were born and raised in Atiu.

Later he moved to Rarotonga where he started his career as a prison warden in Arorangi.

He left Rarotonga with his wife and children during the transition period in 1996 when Cook Islanders left the country in droves.

Boaza said their reunion was a success and plans have already started for their next reunion.