Mysteries of Nga Marae o Rongo

Unravelling the mysteries of Marae Orongo will be the overall theme of the upcoming conference held by the Cook Islands Research Association (CIRA) in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, USP Centre in Cook Islands and the CI Library and Museum Society in Taputapuatea.
The two day conference will be held on 6 and 7 August to coincide with the Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations in order to maximize the numbers of outer islands people to take part in the conference.
Marae Orongo are found as far apart as Cook Islands (Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke and Mitiaro), Rapanui (Easter Island), Tahiti, Aotearoa and Hawaii. In the latter islands, Rongo was also worshipped as a deity known as Lono.
Was Rongo a real person or a myth and what were his characteristics and powers in each island and what sort of rituals were performed on his marae?
Were they used for installing of chiefs and what rituals were carried out on the marae and what changes happened after the arrival of Christianity to the Pacific when they were unceremoniously abandoned or destroyed with many images burned or smashed or taken as a curiosity by collectors to overseas museums. Other mysteries to be discussed are why they are not found in Western Polynesia such as Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Uvea and why are they mostly located on the northwest coast and not inland?
Interestingly, it is believed that Marae Orongo are not found on Rarotonga, however, the CIRA executive would not be surprised if a taunga were to prove there was at least one such marae on the island. Nevertheless, to be inclusive of Tumutevarovaro, the first day of the conference will be general discussion of old traditions and end with a panel discussion of iconic maraes of Tumutevarovaro for the installation of Ariki (Paramount Chiefs) including Arai te Tonga (all three branches of Makea), Vaerota or Orotuma (Kainuku), Pokata (Pa Upokotini) and Au Maru (Tinomana).
The panel of speakers is yet to be finalized for the discussions with anyone wanting to assist welcome to contact CIRA president, Angie Tuara or Prof Ron and Marjorie Crocombe.

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