Wiser about water

Wednesday 1: Paerangi Mataiapo Moetaua Boaza and Puki Mataiapo Paiere Mokoroa are back in Atiu, after attending the 5th World Water Forum in Turkey late last month.

The pair were overwhelmed by the forum which was attended by 12,000 people in Istanbul, and say that attitudes shown towards water by other indigenous people around the world are similar to our own. Mokoroa says all sorts of issues relating to water were discussed, from health and environment matters, to conservation and problems faced through shortages. Both men made a presentation on the local authority on Atiu. Mokoroa adds that one of things he has learnt from the forum is the preparation countries are making in terms of ensuring water supply for the “last days”. “I don’t see that in Atiu.” - MM