Vaka Puaikura has been hard at work preparing for today’s Bicentennial “Arrival of the Gospel” celebrations in their district of Arorangi.

With all hands on deck, the community gathered to weave 4000 kikau raurau (baskets) for the traditional cooked meals that will be shared after the official ceremony starting this afternoon.

Puaikura has been preparing for this historic special day since last year when crops were planted and animals raised to cater for the celebratory feast.

Four thousand nu have been picked, husked and cleaned to accompany the raurau (plate)of food.

Four hundred cartons of chickens will be cooked, 100 pigs slaughtered and baked, as well as two cows for the grand occasion.

Hundreds of taro have been harvested, peeled and cooked

The official programme will start at 2.30pm at the Aroa Nui Hall, emceed by Tony Tou.

After the devotion by Papa Tauturu Orometua John Andrew, the congregation and guests will depart for Kura Akaangi Marae.

Once the guests are seated, the pe’e will begin around 3.30pm, then the warriors will be dispersed to encircle the marae.

The koperepere speakers are – Kati Unuia, Albert Taru and Travel Purua who will conclude in front of Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki’s Tomb.

At the Kura Akaangi Marae, the unveiling of headstones will be conducted starting with the Tinomana Enuarurutini Ariki headstone by the mataiapo and rangatira, then the Matoi headstone.

The Tama Ua a Enuarurutini Memorial headstone will be unveiled by a descendant Robert Wichman followed by the blessing by Papa Tauturu Orometua John Andrew, and a speech by Member of Parliament for Murienua Teariki Heather.

At the Arorangi Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC), the unveiling of the Enuarurutini Memorial Stone in the churchyard will take place followed by the church service.

The master of ceremony at the church grounds will be Diakono Teariki Purua, and following the opening prayer, the hoisting of flag – Ekalesia Flag – and Ekalesia Anthem will be sung.

The veils will be uncovered by Ekalesia rep – Papa Tauturu John Andrew, representative of Kopu Ariki O Tinomana – Mr and Mrs Joseph Heather, Pa Ariki, Kainuku Ariki, Vakatini Ariki, Karika Ariki, Te Pori – Vaimotu and Tutu Pirangi, Oakirangi representative, Akaiti rep, Religious Advisory Council rep, Apii Rutaki rep and Apii Arorangi rep.

Unveiling of the plaque for Isaia Papeiha, the Tahitian missionary, will be performed by Matoi Rangatira, and the unveiling of the 200-year memorial rock by Tamakeu Mataiapo - Puretu Heather.

Teariki Heather will read the inscription on the memorial rock and provide its historical journey.

The prayer and final proceedings will be held inside the Ziona Tapu church before heading over to the Aroanui Hall for the youth performance, followed by a feast to wrap up the event. Another celebration to commemorate the