Seventy-nine-year-old Emori Liganimasei was installed as the Turaga ni Mataqali Saunidauna in Nakama Village, Macuata, yesterday.

Mr Liganimasei said he welcomed the title and age would not deter him to handle the responsibilities of the mataqali and the vanua.

“My vision for the mataqali is to encourage them to be strong in their spiritual life, the young to focus on their education for a better life. Also utilise the land by planting a lot of crops to sustain them as things are expensive today” Mr Liganimasei said.

“It is with hope that the members of the mataqali would work together with me and listen to the call of the mataqali and its obligations,” he said.

Assistant Roko Tui Macuata, Epeli Tabuarua represented the Macuata Provincial Council to witness the installation.

“It is a big lesson today to witness the installation after the confirmation from the Government through the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs,” Mr Tabuarua said.

“Many have always questioned the process of installing leadership in the mataqali and the vanua and I am proud that the Sauturaga Korobugani are still intact with this tradition.

“Today, we also witness some of our traditions that are still preserved and there is hope to revive and instill these values to our future generation so they may learn and know more about this particular aspect of our culture,” he said.

There are three mataqali in Nakama, with a total population of 118.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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