Tree planting, Boiler swim part of festival

A tree planting ceremony is taking place this morning from 8am at Nukupure Park in Muri, to tie in with the Vaka Eiva 2010 paddling tournament.

The joint initiative by the National Environment Service (NES) and Muri Environment Care Group will see at least 20 trees planted, which will be looked after by the wider Muri community and landowners.

Today is a rest day for senior Vaka Eiva paddlers, although juniors are racing.

They will lead a small ceremony to the beach at Muri before racing.

Trees planted will stabilise the Muri beach while providing shade and shelter.

Each year Vaka Eiva paddlers will return to plant additional trees on Rarotonga.

NES staff have organised annual tree planting to coincide with the sport tournament, and to date more than 50 trees – mostly tamanu and miro – have been planted along the Takuvaine Stream.

Meanwhile, Trader Jacks Boiler Swim is also on today, starting at 5pm.

Everyone is invited to participate in the approximately 750m swim – both paddlers and supporters.

The swim will take place in front of Trader Jacks and entry will be a gold coin donation which will go to Te Vaerua Rehabilitation Service.