Kavana invite Koutu Nui delegation to Numangatini Palace

Tradition and protocol play an important role in the customs of the Aronga Mana in Mangaia which still hold great sway over their people. There are six Kavana under Numangatini Ariki and they still retain their old authority over the land and customs.
When the Koutu Nui delegation visited Mangaia, there was some initial concern as to what role they would play during their visit.
However, after liaising with other influential people on the island, the six Kavana were won over and they invited the delegation to a dinner meeting held in the Council Room of the Numangatini Palace on Friday afternoon.
The Kavana were gracious in their hospitality and explained that the sitting room within the Numangatini Palace is also where the Ariki sits in Council with her Kavana. At such meetings, issues such as the New Year plans in the Mataiti Ou after Pure Epetoma for all six Puna of Mangaia would be discussed. Or perhaps they might be called to settle any land disputes because their word on such matters is law. This is because the land tenure system in Mangaia is still by tradition and the Land Court division of the High Court of Cook Islands has no legal jurisdiction there.
All six Kavana or their official Mono (representative) made individual speeches of welcome to the Koutu Nui and later presented the delegation with necklaces of ei pupu. Harry Mataora explained how the ei pupu is made with love in a delicate process of gathering their tiny pupu shell after rainfall.
The Kavana gently let it be known that protocol is for tere parties visiting Mangaia to send a Kura of intention to formally seek leave to visit, after which the leaders would organize their respective Puna or village to look after visitors.
The Koutu Nui were suitably humbled by the warmth of their welcome and are grateful to the Kavana and their Ui Rangatira and Iti Tangata for being so hospitable despite the inadvertent faux pas.
Koutu Nui delegates were Paroro Mataiapo (Treasurer), Iro Rangatira (Secretary), Te Pa Mataiapo (project coordinator) and Itaata Rangatira (Tauturu Secretary).

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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