The National Environment Service was able to successfully complete an interactive trip to Mangaia where they carried out a handful of environmentally based activities with locals.

Three team members from NES attended the week-long trip between November 29 and December 3.

The team members consisted of Mura Herman, senior special projects officer, Mathew Rima, senior compliance officer, and Moana Tetauru, information management officer.

The team assisted with a kikau-weaving workshop, coordinated by Mangaia environment officer, Tangimama Harry.

Education and awareness around the Ozone Depleting Substances project, a project coordinated and implemented by NES, was presented to Years 9 and 10 students at Mangaia School.

The school also received donated awareness material from NES.

The team carried out a training programme with Harry on wetlands data collection, and on top of that, conducted an ODS site inspection at two accommodations and schools. 

Tetauru said the team received huge support from the community and thoroughly enjoyed the kikau-weaving workshop.  

“Through this workshop, we were able to identify kikau-weaving as an opportunity for youth to learn this traditional practice,” she said.

Furthermore, with the ODS project, the school has requested to work closely with NES in the future.

 “We look forward to working with them in 2022,” Tetauru said.

Tetauru the team felt as if they had achieved everything they set out to do and were satisfied with the trip, as they had been preparing for the visit for over a month prior to leaving Rarotonga

They also worked closely with the Mangaia Island Government and Harry to make the trip a reality.  

“All in all it was a huge success, and we are quite happy with the work we were able to complete in the short time we were there.

“We look forward to promoting further NES activities in the Pa Enua.”