Motu Ahi’s:
Kaupapa Te Mau Apaparaa Ture
On our Motu, we have an intention to build a foundation of guiding principals in regards to how we do things at Motu Ahi. We intend to follow Māori and Tahitian concepts. This will eventually lead to a unification of concepts from all our brother and sister cultures in the Pacific. We hope for an outcome of cultural inclusivity to ensure that all peoples that voyage by vaka feel seen and accommodated on Motu Ahi.
We do this by following the Māori concept of Kaupapa.
Kaupapa: A set of guiding principles and shared values that shape how we live, care for the land, and relate to one another.
In Tahitian we have the concept; Te Mau Apaparaa Ture, referring to an arrangement of guidelines and directives.
We fuse these words together to create our foundation of principals:
Motu Ahi’s Kaupapa; Te Mau Apaparaa Ture
We ask all guests to help care for the island and each other by honouring these simple principles of our Kaupapa; Te Mau Apaparaa Ture
Key Concepts of Motu Ahi
Manaakitanga
Kindness, hospitality, generosity, and care for others and the environment. Manaakitanga reminds us to treat all people with warmth and respect while nurturing the land and sea that sustain us.
Kaitiakitanga
Guardianship and protection of the natural world. This principle reflects the deep belief that humans and nature are kin. We are not owners of the land, we are its caretakers for this and future generations.
Whanaungatanga
Connection and belonging through shared experiences and whakapapa. Whanaungatanga is about building relationships, supporting one another, and creating a sense of community through working, learning, and living together.
Wairua
The essence of spirit that exists within and beyond all things. A unifying force that unites all, yet also separates itself into individual beings, such as humans, animals, plants, the ocean, and a small island in the Pacific called Motu Ahi. We invite you to make a personal connection to the Wairua of the island.
These four concepts are deeply rooted in Māori culture and are closely connected to the indigenous traditions of the people of Moorea and Motu Ahi. Many of our ancestors voyaged by vaka across the Pacific to Aotearoa, New Zealand. Though separated by vast oceans, we remain connected through shared heritage, language, culture, and the living earth beneath the sea; Te Papa.
By honouring our cultural differences while sharing knowledge, resources, stories, and traditions, we hope to support the flourishing of indigenous peoples throughout the Pacific. Our intention is to create a welcoming home base in a tropical paradise, where culture, nature, and community can thrive together.
Motu Ahi Welcomes You
Many of the customs practiced at Motu Ahi come from long-standing Mooera traditions and are shared with respect for the land, the ocean, and our ancestors.
Travellers arrive with their own ways, traditions, and expectations carried quietly with them. Alongside this, there is often uncertainty, stories, hearsay, and hope. At Motu Ahi, this in-between space is honoured.
“Haeramai, Haeremai, Hae, Remai! – Welcome!”
From the moment guests arrive from Aotearoa and beyond, they are welcomed by being met with their own humanity, Tahitian culture, and a warm reflection of their own culture. This is where the welcoming ceremony begins, The Faariiraa Peau Rumu.
Faariiraa Peua Rumu: A traditional Tahitian cleansing process that clears, grounds, and opens each person to the experience ahead.
Once this initial welcoming and clearing is complete, the journey deeper into the Motu begins. Guests are invited into the living knowledge of the land, The Mau Peu Taata No Te Fenua.
Mau Peu Taata No Te Fenua: A Tahitian word for the customs and traditions of the people of the land. These customs are shared through chant, song, embrace, storytelling, and kōrero. This exchange continues throughout their stay, unfolding naturally through connection and presence.
By the time guests depart, something has shifted. What once felt unknown becomes familiar. Through the sharing of ways, stories, and wairua, bonds are formed, lasting well beyond their time on the Motu.
Respect For The Land
The island is considered a living ancestor.
Please treat the land, trees, plants, and waters with care.
- Avoid damaging trees or vegetation.
- Leave all spaces as you found them so future visitors may enjoy them.
This reflects the value of kaitiakitanga, guardianship of the natural world.
Lagoon & Swimming Customs
Guests are welcome to enjoy the lagoon and surrounding waters.
- Swimming is at your own discretion.
- A lifeguard can be arranged for an additional cost.
- If guests bring their own certified lifeguard, a discount will be applied.
- Please bring swimming costumes to wear while swimming.
Women are welcome to swim in the lagoon at any time during their cycle.
However, according to traditional Moorea custom, women who are bleeding should not pick flowers during this time.
This practice honours cultural traditions connected to the land and natural cycles.
Living in Community
Island life is based on mutual respect and shared experience.
- Greet others with kindness.
- Support one another when needed.
- Be mindful of noise, especially in the evenings.
- Treat staff, hosts, and fellow guests as part of the same community.
Through these shared values we practice manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
Royal Society of New Zealand: Te Apārangi
Under the protection of our sacred Pacific korowai, and in the spirit of Tupaia, who voyaged these waters in 1769. Tu Paia born in Raiatea, sailed on the Endeavour with Captain Cook’s crew to Aotearoa. On this voyage, he was an interpreter between Māori and the British. He is an important figure in our history as well as our story at Motu Ahi. A bridge between French Polynesia, Aotearoa and the British. His influence shaped the interconnection between these nationas then on after. Just as Tu Paia voyaged these pacfic oceans, as are you, voyaging here to Motu Ahi.
The Ahi Kaa of Motu Ahi in 2026 offer this Message in a Bottle to our very special guests:
Explore.
Discover.
Share.
These values, championed by the Royal Society of New Zealand, Te Apārangi, guide our intention. The Royal Society of New Zealand is an independent, non-profit organisation in New Zealand dedicated to advancing science, technology, and the humanities. Established in 1867, it backs research through funding, publishes academic work, and helps connect the public with research and new knowledge. The Royal Society has a diligence towards indigenous cultures and foster the development of nations across the Pacifica.
At Motu Ahi, we create a space where these principles can be lived. Curiosity is welcomed, knowledge is uncovered, and experiences are shared with openness and care
By respecting these cultural practices, you help protect the Wairua and integrity of Motu Ahi.
We thank you for being part of our shared, living story.