Some kurī don’t have capes

I received a call that our protector Queen maybe on her way. Bete, or Shortie, Shortie girl to everyone on the point. She belongs to Mama Elizabeth Nootai, Papa Steve "Steak" Daniel, and all their family who visit from Aotearoa too. When Mama Elizabeth passed away, Shortie slept on her grave for days. On the mound. Liz shared with me that Bete had a sister and it was Bete of the two, that was given to her as a puppy.

I lived in Matariki’s house out at Avana, until the last three months on the island. Bete showed up one day when I arrived and kept coming over.  I found out later she basically guarded the point, walked around and checked if everyone is ok. We just lived there. If you have ever been to Rarotonga that's what the dogs do there, chill out, no leads, cruising around.

They say animals have this instinct to read people. Because they have to, their lives depend on it. Shortie girl was like that. She hung around initially and stayed 1 night. And kept doing it as if she knew I needed a companion to keep watch. Even though she was small, she was protective, warm, fun, clued up and hung out with the other dogs on the street. I followed her. She was the leader. I always felt she had been there before because she knew that land so well. Every day we walked the point, all around, walking up the side of the passage, sometimes doing sprints and I would always lose. One day, she wasn’t at home after work, and I went for a walk to one of the rock pools. About 5 mins later after arriving, she showed up. She was the only one I knew that had permission to walk into Vaerota marae.

Many days we sat out and overlooked the passage. Many nights we sat on Mama’s deck and watched fisherman come in from a day out on the water. We hung out like friends do.

Everyone who has ever stayed at Avana Apartments, from around the world, knows her. Every guest has probably fed her and played with her. I would go look for her and she would be sleeping sometimes outside an apartment room being fed kai. I booked flights, to see her last year in August and a couple of friends, staying at the Avana Apartments, just to be near her, but Mum fell sick and I had to go to Aotearoa instead, for two weeks. I last saw her in May 2024 on a return trip. I know all the staff at Avana Apartments, will miss her and everyone living on the point, her Papa and family and Mama Matariki and her family. She spent last night with her, and Shortie wagged her tail, to go home. So Mama took her home. I will call in the morning, to see if I can say goodbye.

Some of the most contemplative times in my life have been with her. I dreamt about her twice while here. The first time in the early months of arriving in Australia, she was playing and happy, smiling at me. And the last time towards the end of last year, I woke up wondering if she was ok, and heard she was slowing down.

Return to your tupuna, Mama Elizabeth, watching over your ipukarea, Queen. Avana will miss you. Meitaki ma’ata to your Mama and Papa for letting you be in my life, for the aro’a and protection you gave. Next life Shortie girl. xx

Update: Next level, Avana Queen. rip

2006-2026

Below: Bete at Vaerota marae, our sprint strip and Motutapu