The new Are Pa Metua building at the eastern end of the Punanga Nui Market (adjacent to the playground) is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Punanga Nui Market Minister George (Maggie) Angene is pleased to see the quick progress of the building that is constructed by Manutai Contractors. The building will feature its own kitchen, office, private toilet and shower facilities.

“I feel happy, now I don’t have any more hassles about looking for a place for our Pa Metua and getting their building done. I thank the Prime Minister as well, who found this spot for them and got the building going through CIIC,” Angene said.

“For so long we have been looking for a place for our Pa Metua, this is good, it’s central for them in town and the playground is just next door so they can watch their grandchildren playing.”

In November 2021, the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) announced that a new public toilet block will also be built next to the Are Pa Metua.

Punanga Nui Market manager William Taripo had noted that the current toilet block (next to Reefside) has been prone to flooding and is constantly plagued with problems, and that the new restroom facilities will be a similar facility to that of the Avatiu Port toilet block.

CIIC has worked closely with Internal Affairs and the Are Pa Metua in terms of the design of their new facility, which caters for all of their conveniences.