A group from Aitutaki is preparing to attend the 200th Anniversary of the arrival of Christianity on the neighbouring islands of Atiu, Mitiaro, Mauke and Rarotonga.

In 2021, Aitutaki successfully celebrated the Bicentennial event followed by the villages of Tautu and recently this year, Vaipae.

This year, celebrations are being held on the islands of Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke followed by Rarotonga, and Mangaia in 2024.

Preparations have been underway since the conclusion of the Aitutaki events with people showing a big interest in attending the Southern Group celebrations scheduled for July 2023.

Team leader and coordinator for the Aitutaki Tui Atiu group, Toa Isamaela confirmed there are several groups that will be attending these celebrations with charters flights already full and plans well in advance to support the celebration events on each island.

“This is a huge and exciting event for our people and our Aitutaki delegation’s attendance will complement the support that was given when these islands visited Aitutaki’s celebration this year and in 2021,” said Isamaela, the One Cook Islands MP for Amuri/Ureia.

“Planning and fundraising activities have been underway since August last year and although we are aware of the struggle our people are experiencing in terms of fundraising, everyone including the people of Aitutaki have given from the heart and gone the extra mile.”

Programme activities will be finalised for each Island soon and the Aitutaki Tui Atiu delegation will comprise of approximately 34 people with the remainder joining other charter flights to either one or two of the other Southern Group destinations bringing in over 100 people.

“Our group is the only one doing all three Island visits so you can imagine the excitement of families reuniting for an historical event that rarely comes round in a lifetime.”

Isamaela says he is pleased with the spirit within the group who have been supportive since the beginning with fundraising, sponsorship, (golf) ambroses and donation pledges. These are mainly middle-aged women, semi-retired elderly gentlemen with Atiu, Mitiaro and Mauke connections “so obviously they are keen to support these events on their home islands as they will be joining in and celebrating with their own”.

Isamaela also acknowledged Air Rarotonga, Teariki Reva (Te King) and Tutu Reea (Tut’s) who have been very supportive with coordination of flights and cargo. Most of this trip is self-funded and Isamaela is grateful to all those who supported from the very beginning “because of their love for their respective home Islands”.

“The focus will be celebrating each Island’s Gospel history so we are prepared for an exchange of many stories, cultural events, gifts and of course fun.”

Isamaela added that the culmination of these celebrations for 2023 will take place in Rarotonga following the 3 Island visits with huge crowds expected locally and from overseas.