Areo Village in the West Kwara’ae constituency, located 8 kilometers from Auki, Malaita Province for the first time in its history has successfully hosted its inaugural New Year Games, welcoming 2026 with unity and community spirit.
Areo is home to nearly 30 houses and around 100 villagers. Many of Areo’s youth are not formally employed, but they are some of the main suppliers of local garden produce to Auki market and surrounding areas.
Other community members held a variety of jobs in Auki and Honiara.
A key highlight of the celebrations was the New Year Games, organized by Elnata Taisia Sogote’e and her team.
She spearheaded various fun activities, including a volleyball competition that drew participation from all ages.
Her initiative was appreciated by the Kwara’ae community leaders, who praised her commitment to uniting the people through sport and fun.
On the midnight of December 31st, 2025, they gathered for the countdown, ushering in 2026 with cheers.
The three-day event culminated in a community feast, organized by the host family, bringing everyone together in a joyful celebration of new beginnings.
A youth leader, Dudley Laufilu, expressed his appreciation to the organizing team.
“This was the first-ever organized activity of its kind in Areo since our grandparents built this community some decades ago.
“This game has truly united our people, as we are all related, and strengthened our bonds and Christian values,” he said, adding that it reduces their involvement in alcohol consumption and other unwanted activities, like how it was celebrated in past years.
Looking ahead, the organizing team announced that New Year games and fun activities will become a tradition, with plans to include neighboring communities in upcoming competitions. The community also anticipates announcing grand prizes for future events and their initiatives to raise funds to host these activities.
Areo is part of a larger community consisting of other villages like Gwaiako, Faubora, Laugwata, Sasale, and others under ward three of the province.
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