The Vaka Pride committee conducted their judging for the period of July – October on Tuesday the 29th of October. The Vaka Pride community initiative aims to assist with the preservation and conservation efforts, revival of traditional practices as well as rewarding individuals or groups who contribute to significant community activities to maintain their good work.

The judging commenced with representatives from three different uniform organisations sharing their community projects with the committee. Tuaine Papatua shared the meaningful work he was doing with the Blue Edge programme. An insightful presentation by Ben Maxwell from the Saint Joseph’s Boys scouts followed with the Nikao Boys Brigade wrapping up the presentations and impressing the committee with their community initiatives.

The three groups all positively impact the community and were nominated under the Tupuranga Tangata category. This category looks at initiatives that address crime, wandering dogs, and all other safety related issues in their communities.

The Vaka Pride committee scored the groups based on the different community initiatives carried out by their respective organisations and the effectiveness of their programmes. The Vaka Pride committee were impressed with the work carried out by all the organisations to develop youth, assist with community activities, school activities, the elderly, churches and many more.

The Vaka Pride prize giving will coincide with the White Ribbon awareness campaign through the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the 22nd of November. For more information on the Vaka Pride competition please contact Sieni Tiraa at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation [email protected]