BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Namoaraha Council of Chiefs officially inaugurated a new Are’Are House of Chiefs, known as Nima Ni Aaraha, at Hauhau in Ward 19 of East Are’Are, Malaita province, last Wednesday.

In a statement from Malaita Issues, the re-establishment of the Arekoru Namoaraha Council of Chiefs’ Nima Ni Aaraha, also referred to as Namoaraha Nimakoru, marks a significant step in revitalising Are’Are traditional leadership and strengthening customary governance within local communities.

Speaking during the event, Member of Parliament for East Are’Are, Peter Kenilorea Jr, thanked the Namoaraha Council of Chiefs for this achievement and unwavering commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

He described the Nima Ni Aaraha as a physical manifestation of Are’Are identity.

“This house connects our past, present, and future. It represents a deep sense of belonging for the people of Are’Are.

“The Are’Are culture is unique in the world, and it is our responsibility to preserve and protect it,” Kenilorea said.

The MP also acknowledged the support of the Mai-Maasina Green Belt, describing the organisation as a genuine partner to the people of Are’Are, through its support for the construction of the house and its ongoing community initiatives.

“As MP for East Are’Are, I stand ready to meet and consult with chiefs on the outcomes of discussions held in this house, especially those that may have national implications,” he added.

Mr Kenilorea further confirmed that the East Are’Are constituency office also contributed to the construction of this Namoaraha House of Chiefs.

Mai-Maasina Green Belt Coordinator, Mr Clifton To’otalu, emphasised the importance of cultural preservation across generations.

“Preserving Are’Are cultural heritage for past, present, and future generations is our shared responsibility,” he said.

“I am honoured to be part of this historic occasion and to officially hand over this Nima Ni Aaraha, along with a set of new wooden drums, to the Arekoru Namoaraha Council of Chiefs.”

President of the Namoaraha Council of Chiefs, Mr Benedict Paurara Rikita’ikini, reflected on the historical importance of the occasion.

“The last Arekoru Nima Ni Aaraha was seen in the 1980s. Today, on 11 February 2026, it has been revived through the support of the Mai-Maasina Green Belt in collaboration with the Su’upa’ura communities and the East Are’Are constituency,” he said.

According to Malaita Issues, the cultural event was attended by chiefs, tribal leaders, members of the Mai-Maasina Green Belt, the Member of Assembly for Ward 19, and MP Kenilorea.

The re-establishment of the Arekoru Namoaraha Council of Chiefs was funded by the Mai-Maasina Green Belt.

Photo: Mai-Maasina Green Belt

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