Today we welcome our Tongareva officer Aeata!
“E akameitaki ia Iehova, e meitaki oki tona, ka tū oki tona aroa e rimua”.
ah oTe tū atu nei ki mua ia kotou ko Aeata Moekakara Matara no te henua sumaringa mai ko Tongareva “Paradise Under The Sun”
Aeata has recently joined National Environment Services as the Tongareva Environment Officer. Her appointment brings with it a leadership experience, having served as Head Girl for Omoka in 2018. Also, academically as a graduating scholarship student at Tereora College from 2019 to 2021 before returning to Tongareva.
I Aeata sees this opportunity to support her family and is eager to share her environment knowledge with the students of Omoka and Te Tautua School.
Aeata’s appointment brings enthusiasm, joined with an aspiration to use her youthful energy in her new role. She is particularly focused on nurturing a safe environment for the community and future generations, emphasizing the importance of promoting the right mindset.
Despite facing challenges with the lack of equipment and resources, especially with completing desktop task and her heart condition, Aeata remains unfazed and views each obstacle as an opportunity for adventure. This has allowed Aeata to work with the community and family on island. She is grateful for opportunities that have come her way, and she is eager to make a meaningful impact in her capacity as Tongareva Environment Officer.
Aeata Matara recently participated in technical training on the OPSC Code of Conduct alongside Executive Officer Puna Vano. During the session, Vano engaged Matara with prompting questions regarding the seven principles, observing Matara’s example of helpfulness and attentiveness, key qualities for any officer. Matara particularly took interest in the leave policy, discovering the various entitlements government workers receive, including compassionate, annual, sick, and special leave. The discussion on the motor vehicle policy also interested Matara, especially regarding vehicle maintenance during work use.
This training provided Matara with a broad understanding of the standards expected from government employees. Gratitude was extended to EO Puna Vano for dedicating time to support Tongareva Officer Aeata Matara in her professional development. Matara looks forward to continuing her orientation and technical training to fulfill her role as an Environment Officer on Tongareva
Aeata enjoys swimming in the lagoon and interacting with the sharks. In her free time, she weaves pairs of rito earrings to sell. It’s been said that her laughter is infectious, often bringing joy to the people of Penrhyn.
