To celebrate the New Year in style, 120 residents in the village of Ngatangiia aged 60 and over, enjoyed a night of entertainment and tropical island kaikai last Friday night.

The evening was hosted by their Member of Parliament Tamaiva Tuavera at the Pacific Resort.

“It was a pleasure and an honour to host our 60+ and Are Pa Metua of Oire Ngatangiia,” said Tuavera.

“We were blessed to also have the presence of two 95-year-old mamas, our eldest citizens, and several 80-year-olds.”

Tuavera said the people in his constituency have gone through tough and trying times due to the Covid-19 pandemic

“So we had a good evening and catch up with one another as we begin this new year, and I wish the best for everyone and a better year for all of us.”

The guests were lured onto the dance floor by the entertaining live band Papa Ru and Apera, and Steven (Moko) Kavana took on the role as the emcee.

Sharon Maoate, one of the guests, said: “It was a great evening and I was so pleased at the turnout of people, there was mix of the very old and the not so old, with Mama Ngamata Fuller being the eldest at 95.”

“It was nice to see everyone as we head into this new year, the food, people and music was great too,”.

Sisi Short, who also attended the function, added: “The evening went well, we all had a good time, a lovely event to start of the new year.”