As crowds descended on Nayau for the installation of Ratu Tevita Mara as the new Tui Nayau, it was the women of the village — the silent workers behind the scenes — who toiled tirelessly to ensure every visitor and villager began the day with a hearty meal.
Narocivo villager Seini Waqabaca described the monumental effort involved in preparing breakfast for the hundreds who arrived for the historic occasion.
Mrs Waqabaca explained that cooking began well before dawn.
“We started at 2am,” she said. “Fifty kilograms of rice, forty kava roots, dozens of chickens — we prepared enough for at least 500 people.”
Hundreds of women from the Maumi clan were assigned roles in peeling, seasoning, and stoking traditional lovo ovens.
Men were tasked with sourcing fresh fish and cutting wood to fuel the underground ovens.
“Every family has a part,” she added.
“Some bring water, others matting for dining areas. We worked quietly but with purpose — it’s our way of honouring the Tui Nayau.”
Mrs Waqabaca said it was important to feed guests promptly.
“They arrived early, hungry after their voyage.
“A warm bowl cuts the chill and sets the tone for the day ahead.”
Every bowl served, she said, is more than food, it’s respect for tradition and the chief they honour.
