Over half a century later, families and spiritual and traditional leaders gathered to unveil a plaque in memory and honour of the late Reverend Mataā Va’a of the London Missionary Society (LMS) Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) and his wife Talailalo Isaia.

Rev Va’a had dedicated his life to serving the people of Papua New Guinea for two years from 1909 – 1911, and the community of Wale Pukapuka from 1911 until his passing.

Mata Mataā, one of their granddaughters, organised the commemorative ceremony at the Avarua Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) yard yesterday to ensure her grandparents legacy and contributions to society are remembered.

Mataā said she was inspired to honour the legacy of her grandparents by the recent Mangaia’s Te Arikianga o te Evangelia 200-year Bicentennial celebrations held in June.

Initially, she wanted the plaque to be placed on the island of Mangaia where her grandfather was born.

Mata Mataā is happy to finally see the special plaque honouring her grandparents Reverend Mataā Va’a and Talailalo Isaia. MELINA ETCHES/ 24072515

However, she was pleased to change plans and have the plaque placed in the Avarua CICC yard where it would be easily accessible for visiting overseas families.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know what year they were born or when they both died, but they are both buried in Pukapuka,” said Mataā.

“But, I’m happy to see that this plaque is finally done for my grandparents.

“I would like to thank the Ekalesia and the Orometua for allowing the plaque to be here beside Papa Pereiti.”

She also acknowledged the “great” help and support from Tangata Vainerere of the CICC Heritage Centre who conducted the research and organised the plaque.

According to Vainerere, Rev Mataā Va’a was born in the Puna Keiā of Mangaia and called to eternal rest on the island of Pukapuka. He was the second son of Kiriongo (Parerima Akapiri) Tauri of Mangaia and Va’a Mataiapo Ruapū of Ma’uke, and a brother to Aumatangi, Matapi and Rae.

With the support of Reverend Bond James, who served in Mangaia from 1902 to 1904, he entered Takamoa Theological College in Avarua, Rarotonga, on October 2, 1902, alongside Ūā and Metuamate, also from Mangaia.

After seven years in Takamoa, he was posted to Papua New Guinea on October 14, 1909 for two years.

Dignitaries and guests attended the special unveiling ceremony for a plaque commemorating Reverend Mataā Va’a and his wife Talailalo Isaia at the Avarua CICC. MELINA ETCHES/24072513

In 1911, Rev Va’a and his wife Talailalo returned to Rarotonga.

Soon after they moved to Pukapuka, Talailalo’s home island, where they settled and lived for the rest of their lives.

They were parents to Kaiangarua (Matakino) and Salatiela, who were both born in Takamoa, and Tangimetua, Ngatokorua, Aumatangi, Vaevaeongo, Vaevae, Pāti, Moti-o-vini and Tiriariki, born in Pukapuka.

Mata Mataā is the daughter of Salatiela, who was also known as Tutai Motu Mata’a, and Mareta.

Traditional leaders Makea Karika George Ariki, Tinomana Tokerau Ariki, Numangatini Tangitamaiti Ariki, and Tiori Rangatira - Nooroa Teina representing Makea Vakatini Phillip Ariki began the unveiling of the plaque.

Reverend Tuaine Ngametua, president of the CICC Executive Council, and reverends of the CICC continued the unveiling of the plaque followed by members of the family.