By Camila Sandoval
Her triumph, shared with her family and friends, is a reflection of the passion and effort to keep alive the celebration that makes Rapa Nui proud.
On the night of February 15th, 2025, on the stage of Haŋa Vare-Vare, a historic moment was experienced for Tāpati Rapa Nui that marked the return of competition between families after seven years, bringing with it the excitement and spirit of previous years. Between tears and hugs, Pua Ativeka Tucki Hey was crowned ‘Ariki (queen) with 67,027 points, beating Mahatu De Rycke Atán, who obtained 57,878 points.
Pua Ativeka, daughter of Sandra Hey and Pedro Tucki Pakomio, is a young 21-year-old Rapa Nui who since she was a child has been immersed in the essence of the Tāpati, who grew up among traditions and experiences within her family and other clans who, on this occasion, gave her a helping hand and who worked tirelessly to help her fulfill her dream.
Upon receiving the crown, Pua Ativeka had words of recognition for her fellow competitor: “I want to congratulate my partner Mahatu, thanks to her and us, we revived the Tāpati Rapa Nui with two families. “We are going to mark this Tāpati in history,” she expressed with emotion.
In her words she gave an account of the hallmark that marked her candidacy: returning to the essence of the ancient Tāpati. In this, her parents were fundamental pillars and led the arduous task of making more than 1,500 costumes for dance groups and Nari Nari, rescuing the art of varu-varu kākaka (banana fiber), reviving what was done in years past. To achieve this, Pua Ativeka decided to pause her Interior Design studies on the continent for a year and balance her time between two jobs, while sewing skirts and making bras for the competition.
Pua Ativeka dedicated her reign to the people who accompanied her on this path, with special recognition to her godparents and guardians Moiko Teao and Mike Paté, because they guided her on this path since she was little. “This is not a dream of yesterday, this is a dream of always,” she stated proudly. She also highlighted the role of her friends, who surrounded her with unconditional support, accompanying her at all times.
This year, the Tāpati Rapa Nui had six key group competitions for the candidates: dance ensembles, the traditional songs Riu Tupuna and ‘Ūtē, Hoe Vaka (V6 Polynesian canoe rowing), Nari-Nari (parade) and Koro Haka Opo (choir competition). Pua Ativeka swept the dance ensembles, winning in all categories: children, teens, young adults and adults. His team of rowers also achieved a comprehensive victory in Haŋa Rau o te ‘Ariki (Anakena) dominating in the V6 races. In addition, she added key points in the Nari-nari count and in the Riu Tupuna competition.
On an individual level, her dedication and talent made her stand out in tests such as Tau’a Rapa Nui, making necklaces and flower crowns, tango, Tunu Kai (traditional food preparation) and Kai-kai. Every time she took the stage, her emotion was evident, often on the verge of tears, demonstrating what it meant to her to represent her cultural heritage.
Mai tu‘a era mātou i turu mai nei, mai mu‘a era o ŋā ūka mai te kao-kao, mo haka ero-ero a roto i te tokerau i te māuru-uru ki te mā’ohi o te kāiŋa. He haka āra mau koe o te tāŋata tere vai kava, pēira ana ho’i o te tāŋata keu-keu hēnua e Pua ativeka ere ka tere-tere to’u Rapa ena. Ko te kahi haka tahe mai era e te rima o koro, he hehe haka tama mai era e te rima o nua. “Ka ma’u koe e Pua ere i te ‘ā’amu Rapa Nui nei.”
“Together we have come down from in front of ŋā uka, to sing through the wind our gratitude to the Rapa Nui of this land. You are a descendant of great fishermen, as well as of great farmers, Pua Ativeka, in your hands is the Rapa, the tuna fish that your father has taken off with his own hands, the tubers that your mother lovingly plants, Pua carrie with you, this story that is from Rapa Nui.”
This was the song written by Mike Paté for Pua Ativeka, director of her group and it became one of the ten unpublished compositions written especially for her candidacy and that will remain in the collective memory of those who lived this Tāpati.
For her part, Mahatu De Rycke Atán, daughter of Mireya Atán Hito and David De Rycke, excelled in javelin throwing, swimming, Tā tū (body painting), traditional singing (‘Ūtē), and building the carts for the Nari-Nari. She also triumphed in the Koro Haka Opo and stood out for her charisma, kindness, and warmth. On the closing night, surrounded by her people from Te Hoe Manu, Mahatu shared what she learned from this experience:
“I have learned one of the greatest lessons of my life: with love, care, and humility, mountains can be moved. I truly hope you felt that I conveyed this because this is work that is done with love.”
This Tapati will be marked by the courage and strength of these two women who dedicated their love to their culture and to the rescue of the heritage of their ancestors as a mandate that must continue to live among the new generations, always putting at the center those who dedicate themselves in body and spirit to the teaching and preservation of the Rapa Nui identity.
