Tihei: The binding of Takitimu (Kahungunu) with Takitumu (Rarotonga)

JB Heperi Smith, chairman of Te Wananga Whare Tapere o Takitimu, deputy chairman Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc. Photo / Supplied

Te Wānaga Whare Tapere o Takitimu Performing Arts School is opening a campus in Rarotonga.

A contingent of 36 students, teachers, kaumātua and leaders representing the Hastings wānanga and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc flew to Rarotonga on August 1 to mark this historic occasion.

It has been a realisation of founder Tama Huata's ambition to unite Takitimu through the performing arts as 'a womb to the tomb learning concept'.

His daughter Narelle said they started 38 years ago and today are now teaching the third generation of students.

"Some of those first babies are now our teachers and administrators. We have returned to Rarotonga with this mauri and knowledge to share with vaka Takitumu so they too can strengthen their youth for the future."

A series of ceremonies took place over six days to formalise the relationship between the Hastings based Takitimu Wānanga and vaka Takitumu on Rarotonga led by paramount chief Upokotini Pā Marie Ariki.

Karakia from Piko-piko-i-whiti to Pa Ariki's Palace to bless sign - Te Vananga Are Tapere o Takitumu. Photo / Supplied

The first ceremony occurred on arrival when the Takitimu Wānanga were welcomed at the airport by Pā Ariki's speaker Ngarima George. The second ceremony was a traditional Cook Island breakfast hosted at Pā Ariki's Palace by her brother and spokesman Stephen Peyoux.

The following day Pā Ariki invited Kahungunu Takitimu contingent to attend the investiture of a new Autaua Rangatira (chief), Oketini Jack at the Potaka Marae. It was a memorable and brief ceremony mounted in a beautiful palm-tree lined grove used for centuries to bestow leadership title roles within defined land boundaries after the death of a chief.

Later that day Takitimu Wānanga were then honoured with a Turou formal welcome and banquet at Pa Ariki's Palace. In attendance were the chiefs of vaka Takitumu, the Queen's representative Sir Tom and Lady Tuaine Marsters and the New Zealand High Commisioner veteran diplomat Tui Dewes.

Takitimu Wananga chair and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi deputy chair JB Heperi Smith said, "Just as our people sailed to Aotearoa in search of a new beginning so too is opening this campus here."

Ceremonies for the new campus started at dawn with karakia in the Ngatangiia Church. This church significantly stands opposite Piko-piko-i-whiti the launching site of the Takitimu waka when it sailed to Aotearoa six centuries ago.

The huge assembly for the dawn ceremony included chiefs of Takitumu, church leaders, representatives of the New Zealand and Cook Islands government, Te Matatini, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc and Ngati Ranginui.

Led by Pā Ariki and surrounded by tohunga reciting karakia, the gathering of one hundred plus in attendance walked from this historical landmark to the new campus named Te Vananga Are Tapere o Takitimu at Pā Ariki's Palace a few minutes walk from Piko-piko-i- whiti. The new sign was unveiled and blessed by Pa Ariki's tohunga Pastor Ngarima George.

The family of Takitimu Wananga founder Tama Huata accompanied Pā Ariki into the palace to place a mauri stone from Aotearoa next to his memorial photo on a wall dedicated to Aotearoa Maori leaders.

In Pā Ariki's address she said, "I encourage our young people to be a part of the wānanga now and into the future."

The first intake of students into Te Vanaga Are Tapere o Takitimu will start within the next three months.

The Takitimu group has been enjoying Te Maeva Nui, a week-long national cultural and dance competition involving all 12 Cook Island communities to celebrate their independence day on August 4.

More than 10,000 locals and tourists have enjoyed the parade, crafts, arts, singing, dancing and a wide array of delicious kai. During these celebrations the Takitimu Wānanga attended a Turou welcome and banquet in their honour hosted by Takitumu Ariki (chiefs).

Before leaving the Cook Islands Takitimu Wānanga were farewelled by the people of vaka Takitumu and entertained by the 60 strong Takitumu cultural group that competed in Te Maeva Nui celebrations.

- Te Rangi Huata is, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Event Manager