CITC is opening a new store in Titikaveka aimed at easing the increasing traffic congestion in the town centre, and to cater for the increasing number of tourists.

The new ‘Patai Store’ next to Titikaveka College will also provide a service for residents in the village.

Gaye Whitta, CITC general manager said with the congestion in the town area “CITC has progressively built convenience stores to try to ease the traffic in town and to provide stores that stock a variety of goods for residents in the area as well as for the growing visitor numbers.”

Patai Store will have extra storage space to hold stock to service both CITC KAPs and CITC Kavera stores, a full kitchen to provide in-house cooking facilities to provide cooked food throughout the day whilst topping up with meals by local vendors.

Twenty two staff are needed for the store creating employment opportunities.

CITC is currently advertising these positions through its Human Resources Division. 

“Our preference is to fill all positions with local residents but we are fully aware that everyone (including CITC) continuously struggle to fill current positions,” said Whitta.

The store will stock similar products and services that the other CITC stores have and the product mix will adjust according to the demands from customers in Titikaveka.

Recognising the shortage of long-term accommodation on Rarotonga, CITC have included three two-bedroom accommodation units at the back of the store to provide housing for overseas workers.

Whitta said these rooms will not necessarily be used for overseas staff for Patai Store, they may be used for overseas staff in other divisions of CITC.

The Patai Store is expected to open mid to late February, 2025, and trade seven days a week from 6am to 9pm or 10pm.

Landholdings is constructing the building that has two petrol and two diesel pumps included in the design.