New fishing club supports tradition

It might only be in its infancy, but a new fishing club in Aitutaki has already offered its support to revive an age-old Cook Islands tradition.

The Taukavai Game Fishing Club’s name is a shortened version of the three Aitutaki villages Tautu, Vaipeka and Vaipae and is the second fishing club on the island after the Aituaki Fishing Club.

The group, who had earlier met to confirm the executive board members, discussed matters around the revival of traditional vaka sailing after a presentation from Ian Karika.

The committee comprises patron Dr Roro Daniel, president Teariki Reva, secretary Rere Mataiti, treasurer William Bond as well as an executive committee of two representatives from the three villages.

”We’re just looking for five-to-six sailing canoes so that we can train school students on the art of sailing these traditional vessels,“ Karika said.

”The whole meeting was supportive on the project I’m promoting which is redirecting those old skills back into the young people.“

Aitutaki politician Mona Ioane said the club is completely supportive of the idea.

”The group is very supportive of the project for the revival of traditional vaka sailing in the lagoon.

”They came and asked to help them revive traditional sailing and members of the Taukavai Game Fishing Club supported the idea.“

Aside from the sailing matter, other items on the agenda included discussing a constitution and tidying up the wharves around the area.

Karika, who is working on behalf of sporting body CISNOC in collaboration with Aitutaki local Ioane Henry, praised the ”vibrant“ club before discussing the success of the ”very fruitful meeting“.

”This morning I went around to four different homes and located six vakas that were used in the 1990s.“

The canoes, known as vaka reti, are sailing vessels that are often used in competitions and will be restored for a regatta to be held in Aitutaki in October.