Dear Editor, for someone who lives here and will be partaking tremendously in this year’s celebrations, I urge you to understand the background around these decisions and what lies ahead for those of us struggling to form teams, commit to practices and mobilising our communities (Te Maeva Nui ‘scaled down’ due to budget cuts, June 10, 2022).

‘Budget cuts’ are minor instruments in the large part of this year’s reduction. The country itself has seen a large exodus of youth seeking higher financial, lifestyle and career opportunities. Most of whom are cultural enthusiasts and superstars. These are the impacts that we’re facing due to Covid-19 among other things.

Next year let’s hope for vast improvements. This year just support from afar. We look forward to seeing you all fly back and watch the shows live in less than 7 weeks’ time. This isn’t new too. We did this last year and it was a success. Nothing is being lost, simply delayed.

Kia manuia

Tatryanna Eden LaCroix

(Facebook)

---

To all those who are professing their love of culture here (Cook Islands News Facebook page), I invite you to practice it by joining Te Maeva Nui team this year and for many years to come.

We team leaders are asking for members to join, so make it happen ine?

We would love to see your next posts showing you at TMN practices. If you can’t join, you can be a very appreciated sponsor.

Akaranga to matou reo Pamate, “walk your talk”, don’t just get on here and preach.

Takitumu practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 6.30pm, Enua Manea Hall, Titikaveka.

There’re other teams, akamaroiroi mai.

Kia Maeva Tatou

Sonny Williams

President

Vaka Takitumu

(Facebook)

---

Empire bridge

At long last, what a beautiful and smooth cross over of this long awaited and much anticipated completion work to our National Empire Bridge. Thanking all expertise, skills, time, money and great efforts put into finishing this huge and mammoth task. Job well done and big meitaki maata.

Tremendous progress also coming along our Avatiu Valley roadworks and much to be commended. We continue to pray for consistent good weather and lots of patience from all road users.

Tei mua uatu ei kotou. You are all ahead of everything and ririnui ope.

Bishop Tutai Pere