Tui Nayau unveils special monument at Maumi hills

Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, unveiled a special monument at the hills of Maumi, on Nayau Island, to remember the significant site where past installation ceremonies of Tui Nayau had taken place.

Historically, Maumi is a sacred site for the people of Nayau Island, Lau because it is where the past three Tui Nayau were traditionally installed.

The past three Tui Nayau installed at this sacred site were Roko Rasolo, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba and Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

The current Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara was installed this year on July at Narocivo village, Nayau.

Advisor to the Tui Nayau, Nacanieli Yalimaiwai said the first Tui Nayau who was installed at the historical site was Roko Rasolo, who later served at Lakeba.

“We also see the Vunirewa trees grown around the hills of Maumi, which holds historical significance to the installation of the Tui Nayau,” Mr Yalimaiwai said.

Head of the Yavusa Maumi, Narovico Village, Nayau, Lau, Laisiasa Voli said the unveiling of the monument was special after the installation of the Tui Nayau in July.

“We unveil the monument, as you can see the cross, and thank you to the media for being here to capture the moment,” Mr Voli said

“Behind me is the Na Sau Tabu (scared place for the installation of the chiefs or chiefly burial place where former chiefs are buried).”

This special unveiling ceremony was part of the vakasenuqanuqa celebrations that was completed at Narocivo Village, Nayau.

The vakasenuqanuqa celebrations was to honour the Tui Nayau, Tui Lau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau after the installation ceremony in July.

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