Work has begun on the construction of a temporary dome that will cater for up to 800 people in anticipation of the 200th Bi-Centennial celebrations on Aitutaki this coming October.

The 40 x 20 metre temporary dome facility that is sponsored by the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC), will be positioned at the Orongo Centre in Arutanga and serve as the main centre piece of the celebrations.

The construction of the dome under the management of CIIC is supported by the Aitutaki Infrastructure Division and is estimated to take a couple of weeks.

Once the dome is completed, the construction of a temporary purpose built stage sponsored by an anonymous donor will begin.

The island’s acting executive officer Teiti said: “The beauty of this facility is that it will provide shelter for our people through both wet and fine weather conditions.”

Other areas of Orongo Park will accommodate market activities as well as a variety of programmes.

“Once construction of the dome and stage is completed, the project teams will be dispersed around the community to upgrade the schools and public facilities.

“Although time is tight, we are confident we’ll complete all the expected projects by the opening day on October 21,” said Teiti.

Aitutakians living on Rarotonga are asked to support a golf ambrose fundraising drive next week in aid of the bi-centennial event.

An organiser George George said the idea of the event came about in a presentation meeting with the Mayor of Aitutaki Tekura (Po’o) Bishop and the island council team to update those living on Rarotonga of the preparations in the “homeland”.

“At that meeting we agreed to do a ‘one-off-golf ambrose’”, said George.

The Aitutaki Bi-Centennial Golf Ambrose will be held on Friday, August 27 at the Rarotonga Golf Club in Nikao.

Entry fee is $150 per team of six people that must include a registered golfer.

Plates of food on the day will include fresh fish from Aitutaki and quick raffles will be sold with a live band for entertainment.

The tee-off times are: 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. To register email aitutaki.inc@gmail.com or phone George George 55898, Vae Unuka 77801, Ati Tereu 70656, Tutu Reea 72571, Uirangi Bishop 79272.

Aitutakians on Rarotonga are asked to kindly assist and lend a hand where they can and contact the committee members in Vaka Puaikura, Vaka Takitumu, Tupapa/Takuvaine and Avatiu/Nikao for more information.