82-Year-Old Returns Home for Historic Tui Nayau Installation

Emotions ran high in Narocivo Village yesterday as 82-year-old Unaisi Niumataiwalu, from Salia in Nayau, fought back tears while witnessing the installation of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as the Tui Nayau.

“This is a moment I never thought I would live to see,” said an emotional Ms Niumataiwalu.

“I am so thankful that God brought me this far to come back to my island home to witness this historical event. In this age I am now, I am so happy to be here to witness my chief of Nayau installed.”

Ms Niumataiwalu left Nayau in 1955, when she was just 12 years old, as her family moved to Suva for educational opportunities.

For 70 years, she never returned to the island until now.

“I came back to Nayau just to attend this installation. I didn’t even attend the installation of Ratu Kamisese Mara in 1969. I wouldn’t miss this one,” she said.

She was overcome with emotion, watching the traditional installation ceremony unfold on her homeland.

“Today’s installation really touched me because it has brought everyone together,” she said.

Ms Niumataiwalu said there has been big changes and development on the island since she left.

“It is remarkable; the powerful words delivered by the new Tui Nayau were reassuring.

“Everyone should hear what the Tui Nayau has said—to live in harmony, respect each other, look after each other well. Most important of all is to honour our God alone in this world, and everything will fall into place.”

She said it was a moment not only of history but of healing, unity, and faith—a return home that came full circle after seven decades away.

Ratu Tevita’s late father Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was the last Tui Nayau; Ratu Mara was Fiji’s first Prime Minister after the 1970 Independence and was also our president.

Feedback: lusiana.tuimaisala@fijisun.com.fj