23/05/2024
MAKEA PORI ARIKI: THE AWAKENING
Makea Pori, portrayed below in 1833, clutching the Bible in ONE hand and his chief's fan (ta'iri) in the other, was a prominent figure in the Cook Islands. He held the title of Ariki (Paramount Chief) of the Vaka (tribe) of Te Au o Tonga on Rarotonga from 1823 to 1839, succeeding his father, Makea Tinirau. Although the exact date of his birth remains uncertain, historical records suggest it was likely in the 1780s or 1790s, with limited documentation on his early years.
The first recorded mention of Makea Pori dates back to 1815-1816, where he played a pivotal role in the protracted conflict between Takitumu and Te Au o Tonga. According to Maretu's account, he instigated the dispute by pursuing the widow of Manavaroa, a mataiapo from Ngatangiia, coveted by Kainuku Tamoko Ariki. This rivalry escalated into violence, leading Makea Pori, his father Makea Tinirau, and their family to seek refuge in the western part of the island with their ally Tinomana Enuarurutini, high in the hills of Puaikura. Their exile endured for SEVEN years, concluding in 1822 or 1823 when Makea Pori, after extensive negotiations, received permission from Pa and Kainuku Ariki to return to Avarua. That same year, he was officially inducted as ariki on the Vaerota marae at the Koutu of Kainuku, replacing his father, who remained in Puaikura.
In 1823, Makea Pori held the title of Ariki during the inaugural visit of the London MISSIONARY Society's missionary, John Williams. He welcomed Raiatéan evangelist Papehia, whom Williams had decided to leave on the island to facilitate the conversion of its population. Makea Pori agreed to the destruction of the tribe's marae and "pagan idols" as part of this ENDEAVOUR, and he himself was baptised in 1825 during Reverend Robert Bourne's visit to Rarotonga. However, it became apparent that Makea Pori's Christian convictions did not fully align with the stringent expectations of the missionaries. In 1828, Reverend Aaron Buzacott, newly appointed to the Avarua mission, noted that despite outward adherence to religious duties, many islanders, including Makea Pori, had not completely abandoned certain pagan practices, especially those related to licentious behaviour. Makea Pori, who had pledged to retain only one wife, continued to associate with several, or even more, than he did as a pagan.
In March 1828, Makea Pori embarked on a voyage with his wife, accompanied by Mr. Williams, to the Australs and Society Islands. This journey significantly broadened his understanding of other lands, where he was treated with great respect, receiving gifts from chiefs and indigenous people of the visited islands. Upon his return after THREE months, he had amassed considerable material wealth, including clothing and tools. Unfortunately, it became evident that this material abundance had spiritually impoverished him. He became more haughty than before, displaying disdain and coldness toward the missionaries. This was surprising, considering his prior friendship with them. Eventually, it was revealed that influential figures from Tahiti and Raiatea had advised him in this manner. Following candid discussions, Makea Pori returned to his previous amicable and respectful demeanor.
During this period, the Society Islands experienced a movement challenging the missionary order known as the mamaia syncretic movement.
It was only in 1835, after learning to read and write, that Makea Pori fully embraced Christianity, becoming a member of the Church by partaking in communion. However, his definitive conversion was not without challenges, as he narrowly escaped a plot against him in 1833, orchestrated by mataiapo who were hostile to the new religion.
In May 1839, Makea Pori fell ill. About TEN to TWELVE days before his passing, he ROSE early one Saturday morning, took his small basket of books, and walked to the nearby chapel. Finding it empty and being puzzled by the absence of the congregation for Sabbath service, he scolded women who were cleaning the chapel, mistaking their actions for profanity. It was only when he was informed of his error that he picked up his books and returned home. This incident marked the onset of the delirium that gradually overtook him. Afterward, he began speaking to himself, primarily on religious subjects, providing some comfort to those around him.
Makea Pori passed away on 28 OCTOBER, 1839, and he was laid to rest near the chapel in Avarua where his grave remains visible to this day.
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