A new greenhouse facility for an agricultural training program for the youth of Vava'u was officially opened by HE Dr Michael McBryde, the New Zealand High Commissioner on Monday, October 30 at Kameli, Neiafu, Vava'u.

Ma'u Halakifonua, a member of the Vava'u Youth Congress said that the occasion marked the completion of the constructing of a road to the site, a fence, two water tanks and two greenhouses with a total floor space of half an acre. He said that Kava, vanilla and vegetables have been grown in the greenhouses.

Ma'u said that the objective of the project is to train the youth of Vava'u, particularly young women on a new farming method, using greenhouses. It is anticipated that this method of farming will provide employment opportunities for the young women of Vava'u. The training program will start in January 2007.

The greenhouse facility cost $130,000, and its construction was financed by the New Zealand High Commission's Community Development Fund and the Head of Mission Fund.