History of the name Tefauroa from HMS Bounty to Point Venus to Emily Bay

Norfolk On Line article published 29/10/10

WA’A TEFAUROA

(pron. wah-ah te-faw-roh-ah)

On the 26th at four o'clock in the morning, having run twenty-five leagues from Maitea, we brought to till daylight, when we saw Point Venus bearing south-west by west, distant about four leagues.  As we drew near a great number of canoes came off to us.

So wrote William Bligh in A Voyage to the South Sea upon the arrival of HMS Bounty at Tahiti on the 26^th of October 1788 (222 years ago almost to the day). It would be an ill-fated voyage for him, and the beginning of a new people - aklan!

As many of you know, many of us would later celebrate the Tahitian Bounty Day at Point Venus and Matavai Bay (in the district of Mahina) on the 27^th of October each year marking the day the Bounty crew first set foot on Tahiti.  The first step toward the future which would be life changing for every soul onboard … and for many Tahitians ashore.

But back to the early history of the Matavai and Point Venus area …

In 1767 Captain Wallis on the HMS Dolphin arrived at Matavai Bay.  Originally another ship, HMS Swallow, accompanied Wallis under the command of Philip Carteret, but the two ships lost sight of each other forcing them to sail separately.  Wallis subsequently ‘discovered’ Tahiti, and Carteret ‘discovered’ and named Pitcairn Island.

Cook was the next to arrive in 1769 under instruction to observe the transit of Venus.  He set up camp on the point to the east of Matavai Bay, constructed a small fort and observatory, and christened the area Point Venus.  He would return a further 2 times – it was known to be his favorite anchorage in the South Pacific. 

A gap of 11 years followed until the Lady Penrhyn, a British transport, arrived after having delivered women convicts to New South Wales.  The scene was now set for the arrival of the Bounty.  The rest, as they say, is history.

This area is the most northern part of Tahiti.  Prior to European contact it was a place where less important chiefs ruled; but with each visit the Matavai Bay area (and its chiefs) grew in importance. From Wallis’ time onward all contact with English ships took place here, and their favoritism of the area changed the local dynamics and upset the balance of Tahitian politics giving far more importance to the local chiefs than they had previously enjoyed.

To Tahitians, Point Venus was known as Te Otu’e no Tefauroa or simply Tefauroa – a place where many legends were centered around the goddess Hina. 

Hina used to swim at Tefauroa. The villagers loved to watch her because she was very beautiful. They would whisper, “Ua ma o Hina”,  Hina is clean. The district became known as Ma-hina.  Afterwards she would walk to the area where the river separates the point from the beach (close to the public showers for those of you who have visited – see photo of Isaac and Oihanu), and gaze into the peaceful waters to look at her reflection.  The bay and river became known as Mata-vai making legendary the moment she saw her face (mata) in the water (vai).

Sylvia Herrman and much of her family still live in the Mahina district. They descend from Edward Young and Mauatua.  Many of us have stayed and visited her over the years.  By her side, as I wrote earlier, we have celebrated the Tahitian Bounty Day at Matavai/Tefauroa and on the first occasion in 2005, a monument was erected to commemorate the Bounty connection to the area.

Recently, back here on Norfolk Island, a marvelous venture begun by John Christian and Tihoti (aka Georges) grew into the Norfolk Island Wa’a Outrigger Club with a steady growth of members.  The club is about to see its first wa’a (Norf’k for the Tahitian va’a) christened on Sunday 7^th of November at 2pm down at Emily Bay – where the members of the club will have their first trial paddle on the much-awaited outrigger canoe. 

The name?  Tefauroa of course!  Our history begins there and bringing this Tahitian sport to Norfolk Island is loaded with symbolism.  The wa’a was built following plans drawn up by Leslie, Sylvia’s son, who is a champion paddler – a priceless gift of great generosity.  Jason Chubb built the wa’a with great care right here on Norfolk and for that we can be so very proud! 

Come down to the beach and help celebrate this wonderful event.  The launch will begin with a traditional Tahitian blessing ceremony.  

There will be refreshments available.