Keep it green

Kia orana tatou katoatoa,

Welcome to you all, from all over the Pacific, to the Cook Islands for the seventh international Vaka Eiva.

Once again we have an action packed programme of lagoon and open ocean racing for everyone from junior paddlers to our Senior Masters! We hope that you will have a fantastic week and that you all achieve what you came to achieve, whether that be to win medals, catch up with old friends, explore our beautiful island, have a family holiday or enjoy our legendary Vaka Eiva party scene.

Our Boiler Swim this year is in aid of Te Vaerua Rehabilitation Services Inc which is currently the only physical rehabilitation service in the Cook Islands for people with serious injuries and disabilities. You can make a difference by donating to Te Vaerua and supporting those in need – Te Vaerua’s services are free!

You can sample local and international food at the Punanga Nui Night Market on Tuesday and as part of our focus on the wonderful rich culture of the Cook Islands, the traditional canoe carving festival will run alongside Vaka Eiva giving you the opportunity to watch our skilled carvers at work.

For the first time we will have a Vaka Eiva Trade Day at the Vaka Village on Tuesday afternoon which will feature locally made authentic crafts and souvenirs from our beautiful outer islands as well as our local Rarotongan community.

A special meitaki maata to our sponsors – without their support we could not stage this great event.

Please help us to Keep it Green, Keep it Clean and Keep it Safe.

I wish you all the best for a great week and hope you will have such a good time that you come back again next year and tell all your friends and bring them back with you in 2011.

Meitaki Maata e Kia Manuia

Glenn Armstrong

President, Cook Islands Canoeing Association