Matavera (literally meaning "hot eyes"; traditionally known as Rangiatea) is adistrict on the island ofRarotonga in theCook Islands, located in the northeast of the island. The smallest of Rarotonga's five districts by area, it is subdivided into fivetapere and has a relatively highpopulation density. As of the 2021 census, the district had a population of 1,018 residents. Local infrastructure includesultraviolet treated water stations established in 2015 to provide cleandrinking water for residents.
Matavera is the smallest of the fivedistricts that make up the island ofRarotonga in theCook Islands, yet it is well-populated.[1] It is located in the northeast of the island, to the east of the capital district ofAvarua, and north of the district ofNgatangiia.[2] Matavera is subdivided into 5tapere (out of 54 for Rarotonga). They are named (listed from west to east): Tupapa, Titama, Matavera, Vaenga, and Pouara.[3]
The literal translation of Matavera intoEnglish is "hot eyes" ("mata" means eyes or face and "vera" means hot).[3] The previous name of Matavera was Rangiatea.[4]
According tocensus data, gathered by theCook Islands Statistics Office, the population of Matavera has shown modest growth over the past decade. In the 2011 census, the district recorded a population of 969 residents. This figure increased slightly to 979 in 2016, and by 2021, the population had reached 1,018. This represents an averageannual growth rate of approximately 0.49% between 2011 and 2021. Covering an area of 1.85 square kilometres (0.71 sq mi), Matavera had apopulation density of about 550.3 inhabitants per square kilometre as of the 2021 census.[5]
In 2015, the Matavera Water Station was officially opened byKiriau Turepu, the Member ofParliament for the village. The facility was established with support from theCook Foundation and providesultraviolet treated water, ensuring safedrinking water for local residents. According to Turepu, the initiative was inspired by an elderly resident who requested access to clean water for use intraditional medicine. As of recent years, the Matavera district committee has overseenmaintenance of the village's three water stations, including a 2023 funding request of $795 to cover the cost of essential materials.[3]
21°13′33″S159°44′14″W / 21.225735°S 159.737341°W /-21.225735; -159.737341