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Outer Islands

Aitutaki Hostel is getting a much needed facelift, the first since its opening in 1993. The renovation work initiated by the Aitutaki Rarotonga community is being carried out by workers from the island. Avele Simiona, the acting president of Aitutaki Rarotonga community, said the refurbishment work included paint job on the exterior of the building. Simiona said they have been raising money for the past 12 to 14 months for this project, which would cost them about $20,000. “We just want to brighten up the hostel just in time for our people to come to Rarotonga for the end of the year holidays,” Simiona said. They held a discussion with the Aitutaki Island Government who agreed to provide workers to carry out the renovation work. Aitutaki mayor Tekura Bishop said they were happy to assist in the upkeep of the hostel which is mostly used by the people from the island. “We came down couple of years ago to give our approval if they need any assistance in time when it’s right so when the executive sent us the email that they need this assistance, we agreed to bring six workers to help with the renovation,” Bishop said. “Our people from the island come and live here and this is the least we can do to help maintain this hostel.” Aitutaki Island Government executive officer Tuaine George said “our hostel has been used by different government agencies over a period of time and it has come to the point where we need to renovate in order to keep up the standard with the other hostels in Rarotonga”. George said they expect to finish renovation work by tomorrow. 19101615

Pieces of Aitutaki

Thursday October 17, 2019

Aitutaki Hostel is getting a much needed facelift, the first since its opening in 1993.

Safer flights to Pa Enua

Thursday October 10, 2019

New satellite-based landing approaches should mean fewer flights are forced to turn back in bad weather. 

A selection of trees along main road taken by Dr Michael White, a marine zoologist in Tongareva who says that this is not kiore, or mapu chopping rito, or ultraviolet radiation impact but a signature of coconut rhino beetles. 19090901 / 19090902

Uncertainty over rhinoceros beetle

Tuesday September 10, 2019

There is a growing dispute between Penrhyn islanders and the Agriculture ministry about whether coconut rhinoceros beetles have infested their trees.

Leona Ford farewells her husband and the Layar Mas crew, now known as the MV Capt. Emmett.

Islands group barge is off to the Bahamas

Monday June 17, 2019

The Cook Islands barge once named Layar Mas left our shores for the Bahamas.

Mitiaro airstrip closed for maintenance

Wednesday May 22, 2019

The Mitiaro island airstrip is closed short term for maintenance work which starts today.

Pretty happy with the results from the day’s efforts. 19042446

Mitiaro turns out to fish

Friday April 26, 2019

The whole island was at the wharf in Mitiaro over two days during Easter to either compete or support the islands’ first official fishing competition.

Mitiaro Fishing Club president Makara Murare shakes the hand of Avana Fishing Club president Tamoko Maru Ben who spurred the Rarotonga based club into action. Showing one of the beacon lights is Avana Fishing Club member Don Syme-Buchanan. Next to the men is an outrigger canoe built by Ben which is similar to the canoes used by the Mitiaro fishermen. 19041603

Beacon lights gift for Mitiaro wharf

Wednesday April 17, 2019

Fears for the safety of fellow fishermen on an outer island have prompted a Rarotonga club into action.

The solar-array farm at Aitutaki Power Supply. 19041225a

Aitutaki solar farm panels installed

Monday April 15, 2019

Phase one of a major solar-array installation on Aitutaki is near completion.

The Atiu community on the island give generously towards Palmerston House. 19032034

Donations for Palmerston House

Tuesday March 26, 2019

Communities donating food and hosting meals for the workers and volunteers of the Palmerston House construction have been tremendous.

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