AREKORU NAMOARAHA NIMA ARAHA HEADQUARTER RESTORED AT HAUHURA AFTER 40 YEARS

On the 11th of February 2026, East Are’are constituency witnessed the launching and Handover of Arekoru Namoaraha Council of Chiefs Nima Ni Araha at Hauhura.

The historical event was witnessed by representatives of tribal House of chiefs from Are’are governing bodies (Arahanimane, Arahahu and Namoaraha), MMGB Conservation member reps, Church leaders, youths, East Are’are Provincial and National government leaders; Hon. Barnabas Ahalamu (Aiaisi ward), Hon. Tariwao Victor (Are ward) and National Member Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr.

The re-establishment and restoration of the Arekoru Namoaraha Council of Chiefs Nima vision was rebirthed through the stronghold support of Mai Maasina Green Belt towards strengthening Are’are Governance and traditional leadership.

A Mass was celebrated by Nariao Parish Priest Fr James Taho’au in the morning and followed by Blessings of the Arekoru Nima Araha Center.

The program has witnessed speeches and representatives from Heads of Mai Maasina Green Belt Heads of Trustees Max Totorea, Vice Chairman Donation Tanimauri, Coordinator Clifton To’otalau and Staff Immaculate Tautauhono.  

Speaking on behalf of the Namoaraha Council of chiefs, President Benedict Paurara expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards Mai Mai Maasina Greenbelt for rebuilding the legacy and common house for chiefs within Namoaraha jurisdiction. President Benedict Paurara made mentioned the challenges, leadership transitioning, and urge faced during the absence of Arekoru Nima Araha that was destroyed in 1986 cyclone Namu at Raroasi village. The support towards restoring ‘Arekoru Namoaraha Nima Arahana’ after 40 years is remarkable and timely. The newly launched Nima (House) will accommodate Five (5) House of Chiefs within Namoaraha as an arena for dialogue in a more traditional setting.

Hon Peter Kenilorea Jnr in his acknowledgement speech expressed and emphasized the significant existence of Are’are culture and tradition. He further applauds MMGB and supporting partners that continue to support and optimism towards restoring a center for Namoraha council of chiefs and wishes to witness the positive outputs not only in Are’are but also the national level.

Max Totorea represented MMGB as a trustee and founder was given the opportunity to present the MMGB’s Gift to Namoaraha Council of Chief. Prior presenting the gift he elaborates on MMGB’s ongoing support towards Are’are leadership and governance. He emphasized that the Arekou Nima is a milestone proof of past Are’are leaders’ visionary work. Max Totorea further highlighted and commend the ‘Leave Behind’ initiative towards supporting and building a firm Are’are Governance body for a prosperous and pacific Are’are Future.

For more information about Mai-Ma`asina Green Belt and its initiatives, visit https://mai-maasina.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/maimaasina