Pa Ariki Palace Wellness Centre - Rarotonga
Diabetes and other preventable diseases run rife across the Pacific Islands. Direct and indirect cost of diabetes is a major issue for all Pacific Islanders.
The Pa Ariki Palace was formally opened in 2012 and has hosted a number of successful workshops since. Starfish hosted a visit by Pa Ariki here in Whakatane, re-establishing a connection dating back to the arrival of the Mataatua Waka 700 years ago. At a site near todays new Palace visitors can find 7 stones marking the departure location of the 7 great Waka.
The Wellness Centre will provide facilities for health and wellbeing practitioners to meet, run workshops and forums. The grounds will be available for events and markets, encouraging and promoting healthy lifestyle choices that fit with Polynesian Cultures.
Pa Ariki Palace
The new venue offers a private and attractive location for guest that currently includes:
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Accommodation Wing
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Large Reception Room
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Commercial Kitchen and Meeting Room
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Large open grounds with several outdoor seats and tables
Wellness Centre
The Wellness Centre seeks to extend its offer of service and support to all Pacific Island People. It will do this by developing strong networks across wide and diverse communities. It will be a place to meet, share, trade and exchange things that feed, mind, body and soul. It will have a uniquely Pacific approach to all activity.
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The People - Pa Ariki
The origins of the Pa Ariki title, Paramount Chief of Takitumu, dates back to the time of legendary Polynesian hero Tangiia, who was recorded to have founded and settled on Rarotonga around 1350AD. Tangiia was one of the first early discoverers of Rarotonga, and the architect of the ariki system that is recognised on the island today.
The first Pa Ariki to hold the title, Tai-Te-Ariki-Upokotini, was the adopted son of Tangiia. He was the natural son of Te-Toko-o-Te-Rangi and the great Polynesian navigator Iro-Ma-Oata, who was the first cousin to Tangiia. According to local authorities, the investiture ceremony for Pa Tai-Te-Ariki-Upokotini took place at Pukuru-Vaa-Nui in the district of Takitumu. It was completed on Marae Arai-te-Tonga which is located near the village of Tupapa.
Today, the title is held by Pa Tepaeru Teariki Upokotini Marie Ariki, who is the 48th Pa Ariki of Takitumu. Continuing the timeless legacy of leadership and guidance for her people, she is a strong advocate in the strengthening of cultural traditions in the wake of changing times.
