'Utuma'atu sails to the distant Niuas

Congratulations to Dr Sitiveni Halapua, Noble Kalaniuvalu Fotofili & the people of the Niua and their partners/collaborators for raising the funds and resources to make their dream come true. On so many occasions last year, our Hon Kau Paipas' excuse for not being able to implement much needed development projects was either no funds or they were waiting for a donor to respond to requests for funds. Let us applaud the people of the Niuas & their partners for this magnificent achievement ... and without any help from foreign donors! I look forward to hearing/reading the full story of how they did it. I am sure we and our neighbours will be able to learn a lot from the experience of Dr Halapua & his partners. Last week, the Rotuman people in Suva began fund raising for a boat to enable more Rotumans and their children, grandchildren & others to visit their Mother Island.

And congratulations to Captain 'Aunofo Havea who is a legend in the circles of traditional canoe voyaging enthusiasts.