A group of 14 Are Pa Metua elderly members flew out to Aitutaki yesterday afternoon “excited” to be part of the island’s historic 200 years anniversary celebration of the arrival of Christianity.

Mama Tepaeru Teaukura, who has lived on Aitutaki for 35 years, was among the members who left Rarotonga for the celebrations.

“I love Aitutaki, there’s plenty of fish,” she says smiling, “so it’s good to go back with our group for such a special occasion.”

“We are all happy, I’m so happy to be going, my daughter lives there and my grandchildren.”

Coordinator of the Are Pa Metua centre Moana-O-Liliuokalani Marsters said: “We have been fundraising for this trip since last year.”

“We are all excited and our Pa Metua have been looking forward to this, they feel special that they will witness this event.”

The group will stay together at the Marsters residence in Tautu. “It’s going to be fun and there will be a lot of activities going on.”

“Thank you to our sponsors Teariki Heather, Air Rarotonga, Mavis Cook, Tu and Bernie from Ngatangiia and others who have helped us out, we appreciate all that you have done for us,” said Marsters.

Families were at the airport to farewell their thrilled and enthusiastic parents, who really just couldn’t wait to board their flight yesterday.