Sixty children have enrolled in the Manihiki schools of Tukao and Ruamanu for the 2023 academic year which started two weeks ago.

Manihiki School principal Anna Rauru said: “It has been a good full on two weeks for the start of the school year, and our kid are happy to be back settling in nicely.”

On Friday six students – three each from Tukao and Ruamanu schools – were inducted as prefects. From Ruamanu School, Ngatokorua Elisa, Vaine Katuke and Elroi Tuatoru were inducted while from Tukao School, Cecilia Kaitara, Ngatokorima Umurua and Kaina Karaponga were selected as student leaders.

The prefect investiture ceremony was hosted by Tukao Oire and was celebrated with good community spirit, said Rauru.

Manihiki mayor Ngamata Napara presented the prefects with their badges. The blessing ceremony was conducted by Bernadino Kaina of St Anne Parish, Cook Islands Christian Church Papa Orometua Tumukau Saitu and Papa Orometua Tangaroa Harry Rongo.

After three years of training in Rarotonga with the Ministry of Education, Manihiki schools welcomed on board teacher Anthony Kaina who is based at Ruamanu School and Ngatokorua Taio Johnson has moved to Tukao School.  

The Manihiki schools 2023 teachers are: Anthony Kaina, Ngatokorua Taio Johnson, Winnie Williams, Maria Teama, Rosalina Tuatoru, Emma John, Hannah William; property officers are Puna Ioaba for Tukao and Purotu Napara for Ruamanu.