Vaka Takitumu ‘Peu Māori’ Taunga laid to rest

The poignant traditional chants of the pe’e rang through the hills of Ngatangiia as pallbearers led the procession of the late Mauri Toa, Vaka Takitumu’s well-respected and admired Peu Māori taunga expert, to his final resting place.

Mauri passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 6th 2022 at his home in Muri, Ngatangiia at the age of 57.

After stormy weather on Thursday night, the sun blazed through yesterday morning for his funeral service which was held at the Ngatangiia CICC Church, followed by his burial at the Toa Temarama Family Burial Grounds in Muri.

Mauri was a long serving member of Te Kõpapa Reo Māori Language Commission, a leader in the CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) and was voice in Te Ui Ariki (House of Ariki) ē te Aronga Mana, Peu Māori culture.

He was the treasured son of the late Ioane Tairi Tu-Teata (also known as John Toa) and Raera Brown Trego-Hagai Toa (also known as Ella Toa), and a cherished brother to Tangi and Eda, John and Ruamataiti, late Maine, late Tutangata, Ngamatamaru and Arerau Arona, Jessie and Junior Atirai and Tiri Trego Toa and Pamela.