The island of Pukapuka has its unique customs.

Its New Year celebrations run through until February when the ‘Kau Wo Wolo’, island chiefs and the Island Council, host their annual meeting to review the rules for governing the island – a ‘Vananga’.

Every year a ‘Vananga’ is held, when each Tawa (village) come together to set the rules and fines, elect their committees, and count the number of persons in each village.

Nane Maeva moved to the most isolated island in the Cooks group on January 29, 2022 with her husband Poti Maeva, who has Pukapukan roots and is the new principal of the island’s Niua School.

“It’s an amazing experience to be here to see the traditions of Pukapuka for the first time. I’m learning and understanding more about the culture from my husband, it’s just so awesome that they are still keeping their traditions alive and teaching their younger generations,” said Nane.

Pukapuka has three villages: Tawa Yātō (West), Tawa Loto (Central) and Tawa Ngake (East).

Last week, each of the village shared and discussed their rules. Questions are asked and everything is detailed and written down, noted Nane, adding these meetings take about two to three days.

When the three villages have met and set their rules, a day is then set for the men of each Tawa to meet with the other Tawa to share their rule. “You don’t see women at these meetings,” Nane said, adding selected caretakers will enforce the rules.

Following the meetings, a day-long celebration is held where men from each village meet to share their rules, enjoy a meal, and participate in a “ula papaa” (dance with the women).

Nane said: “The importance and purpose of the rules in the Vananga is to keep the island and the Motus in abundance of traditional foods and trees.”

“The rules also apply to the lagoon and the ocean. My husband was so emotional to see that he and his family will continue to reap the blessings from the motu’s; Pukapuka is so reach in traditional goodness,” she said.

Pukapuka is preparing for another challenge between the Tawas which will begin next week. The challenge called “kavekave” is a fishing competition held over three days.

All traditional foods such as coconut crabs, birds and special ways of making taro will be prepared during and after the “kavekave”.