The well-known Saltwater Cafe has closed its doors for the last time.

National Environment Service (NES) director Joseph Brider says that the timing of his organisation’s decision to change the terms of a proposal to bury concrete left over from the Raromart fire near the site after photos taken by CINews showed hazardous waste also being buried there was “coincidental”.

Activity at the port of Avatiu increased dramatically yesterday following the return of the Tahitian vessel Tahiti Nui at around 7am.

The 102-year-old sailing yacht Joseph Conrad has made a spectacular addition to the line-up of yachts at Avatiu Harbour this week.

First in the queue, behind the Imua II container ship which was also being unloaded, was the General Transport barge Layar Mas which was taking on cargo for Mangaia, Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu.

On Saturday, CINews brought readers more colour photos from last week's highly successful Te Maeva Nui festival.

What has been described as one of the most successful Te Maeva Nui celebrations ever finally came to a close with a ceremony at the National Auditorium on Monday.

Notably absent from the port of Avatiu at present is a vessel which at one point threatened to become a permanent fixture after being left immobile at the wharf for almost two years.

A collection of what appears to be parts from an early printing press leaning against a tree in the grounds of Takamoa Theological College has attracted new interest from Cook Islands Christian Church general secretary Nga Mataio.

A story titled, “Puaikura takes top Maeva Nui prize” published in CINews on Tuesday, August 7 edition, said Rarotonga’s Vaka Puaikura had taken out the Terepai “Sunai” Matapo Trophy for the overall Te Maeva Nui cultural championships.