Pieces of Aitutaki

Aitutaki Hostel is getting a much needed facelift, the first since its opening in 1993. The renovation work initiated by the Aitutaki Rarotonga community is being carried out by workers from the island. Avele Simiona, the acting president of Aitutaki Rarotonga community, said the refurbishment work included paint job on the exterior of the building. Simiona said they have been raising money for the past 12 to 14 months for this project, which would cost them about $20,000. “We just want to brighten up the hostel just in time for our people to come to Rarotonga for the end of the year holidays,” Simiona said. They held a discussion with the Aitutaki Island Government who agreed to provide workers to carry out the renovation work. Aitutaki mayor Tekura Bishop said they were happy to assist in the upkeep of the hostel which is mostly used by the people from the island. “We came down couple of years ago to give our approval if they need any assistance in time when it's right so when the executive sent us the email that they need this assistance, we agreed to bring six workers to help with the renovation,” Bishop said. “Our people from the island come and live here and this is the least we can do to help maintain this hostel.” Aitutaki Island Government executive officer Tuaine George said “our hostel has been used by different government agencies over a period of time and it has come to the point where we need to renovate in order to keep up the standard with the other hostels in Rarotonga”. George said they expect to finish renovation work by tomorrow. 19101615