Tahitinui ki Uawanui was a project to host a number of esteemed delegations from Tahiti in Uawa. This was in celebration of Te Ahikā; Te Aitanga a Hauiti reconnecting with the descendants of Tupaea from Tahitinui.
Throughout October and November, delegations from Tahiti were hosted by Te Aitanga a Hauiti in Uawa at Hauiti Marae, Te Whare Wānanga o Te Rawheoro, Tolaga Bay Area School and Kahukuranui, Hinemaurea Marae. The tahitian manuhiri came to learn and celebrate the legacy of their ancestor Tupaia, who arrived in Uawa onboard the Endeavour in 1769.
The manuhiri came from all over French Polynesia including;
October Delegations
President Eduard Fritch
French Polynesia Presidential and Ministerial Delegates
Mahina Tavana Councillors
Mahina and Aratea Dancers
Raiātea and Marqueses Islands
Puna'Vai School
November Delegations
Va'a Hono and Ahutoru Nui Dancers from Puna'auia and Tahiti
Nga Tama Nō Paia (Descendants of Tupaia) from Tupuai, Rurutu, Rimatara and Marques Islands,
Fa'aroa College from Ra'iātea.
What was achieved?
The manaakitanga of over 300 manuhiri tuarangi (esteemed visitors and guests) from French Polynesia. Including the President of French Polynesia, Eduard Fritch.
Intergenerational participation and voluntary work by whanau, marae and iwi in Uawa. This includes kaumatua, pakeke, matua, rangatahi and tamariki.
Pō Whakangāhau; Tahitinui ki Uawanui and Tupaia. Featuring performances by Te Aitanga a Hauiti Kapa Haka, Puna'Vai School, Ra'iātea Village, Mahina and Aratea Dancers, Tama Nō Paea, Va'a Hono and Ahutoru nui Dancers. These performances were attended by over 500 local people, including schools, kohanga and community members.
The fulfilment of other Te Ahikā projects showcasing Tahitian performance; such as the launch of Te Pourewa.
Ultimately, ideas, traditions, stories and taonga were exchanged. Together, Te Aitanga a Hauiti and our tahitian manuhiri navigated the legacy that our ancestors left for us long before when we left the shores of Tahitinui, Hawaikinui, Rangiatea, to arrive in Uawa.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge and thank all those of Te Aitanga a Hauiti and the Uawa Community who contributed to hosting our manuhiri tuarangi.
Te Aitanga a Hauiti Centre of Excellence and Te Ahikā thank:
Department of Internal Affairs, Tolaga Bay Area School & Kahukuranui, Hauiti Marae, Te Rawheoro Marae, Puketawai Marae, Hinemaurea Marae, Te Aitanga a Hauiti Kapa Haka, Te Whare Tū Tauā o Kahukuranui.
