To ring in the New Year, Te Are Pa Metua members were treated to a delightful lunch on the beach.

Yesterday, Vaiana’s Bar & Bistro owner Vaiana Dance and her mother Ina Dance welcomed the joyful elderly group of 20 + who brought along their ukuleles creating a memorable occasion filled with island tunes, laughter, and good food.

Coordinator of the Are Pa Metua, Moana-O-Liliuokalani Marsters said: “We are grateful and honoured for Vaiana and Ina’s vaerua aroa. For many years they have been very supportive by hosting our mama and papas to lunch three to four times every year, and some Christmas functions for us. We really appreciate their kindness.”

Vaiana and her mother were both delighted to see the Pa Metua enjoy themselves, savouring their meals, singing their favourite songs and dancing with their toes in the sand.

“It’s about giving back to our elderly and giving service to the community,” said Vaiana.

February 4, officially marked Te Are Pa Metua’s first day back at their centre located at the Punanga Nui Market.

“This is our first outing for 2025 and we are looking forward to more Pa Metua who are sitting at home to join us,” said Marsters, “come along, join in our activities, and make new friends.”

Te Are Pa Metua opens on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am. Transportation pickups on these days for the elderly start at 9am, around the island.