Titikaveka welcomed its newest addition to the local shopping scene this week with the opening of the CITC Patai Store, a facility boasting a $4.2 million investment.

The spacious supermarket, which officially opened its doors on Thursday, promises to enhance the shopping experience for residents and visitors in the area.

With this development, CITC aims to not only meet the growing demand for quality groceries in the area but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local suppliers.

Tereapii Philipa (nee Crummer), one of the landowners speaking on behalf of her 10 siblings says they are grateful for their mother who passed on the land which has created jobs and supports the local community.

“Our family communicated and we made the final decision together, we are so happy and proud.”

Philipa said for people in the village there is no need to drive “all the way to the big city” just shop at the Patai Store.

A teacher at Titikaveka College and resident Vae Unuka said students will not be accessing the store during school hours.

Titikaveka resident Vae Unuka and one of the landowners Caroline Crummer at the opening of the CITC Patai Store. MELINA ETCHES/25030763

“Having this store here, on one hand it’s a good thing it's closer for the people here who don’t have transport to go to town, but on the other hand I feel sorry for small businesses who will be affected,” said Unuka.

Titikaveka resident George Hosking said, “I can see it will benefit the college, the sports codes, the church and the community, also it’s so close to home for shopping.”

The planning of the store's internal layout rested primarily with Jason Burgess, manager of the CITC Food Group with assistance from general manager Gaye Whitta and manager of their satellite stores Anthony Doyle.

CITC Food Group Manager Jason Burgess and CITC General Manager Gaye Whitta at the opening of the CITC Patai Store. MELINA ETCHES/25030764

Work on the store virtually started at the end of June 2024

“This store is about a third bigger than CITC KAPZ,” said Jason Burgess, “to make sure that we provide for the community, the investment here, and the economy.

“It has two fold storage hence why it is slightly,” Burgess added.

The storage facility will also be used to help stock for the other satellite stores around the island, and the accommodation block at the back will be used for employees since due to the difficulty of finding accommodation.

CITC executive director Trevor Clarke who was pleased to see how the store has turned out said planning needs a lot of attention to detail and a lot of discussion, functionality is a key factor of what we like to do.

Once the store lay out was done CITC met with Henry Savage from the Happy Valley Drafting Services, then LandHoldings for “good construction” advice.

The usual three elements CITC wanted to do was the refrigeration and air conditioning, electrical, and the information and communications technology (ICT). Air conditioning was under the guidance of Jamie Lambert, electrical Gary Clarke, and ICT Damon Enoka and his team.

LandHoldings appointed John Batty their representative and for CITC - Jason Burgess.

CITC and LandHoldings jointly appointed Ben Parakoti as the independent engineer to supervise the whole contract - to resolve any issues that might arise.

T&M Heather supplied the work for the concrete job and the draining and plumbing was designed by Moana Bates and his team Rarotonga Plumbing.

The fuel systems were supplied and installed by New Group, and the tar sealing was done by Chris Vaile of Triad.

Clarke said work on the site progressed extremely quickly and regular meetings brought about smooth development of the site.

Once the building was completed the property asset team installed the racking and bits and pieces for the fit out quite – “a serious piece of effort to achieve all that.”

CITC staff who will be working at the CITC Patai Store in Titikaveka. MELINA ETCHES/25030766

Following on from that, the CITC staff, particularly under the guidance of Louisa Poila, the manager of the store began to set up the stock.

“We are very grateful for those who have assisted with this project. We’ve taken it quite seriously and we’re very pleased with the outcome,” Clarke said.

The CITC Patai Store is located next to Titikaveka College, it is open every day from 6am to 10pm.