Te Vaka O Ru (TVOR) competition on Aitutaki continues to grow from strength to strength with prizes to the value of $5,000 distributed to responsible members of the community this month. 

For the first time the village of Vaipeka took out first placing in all three categories with their innovative, environmental and creative efforts being recognized and rewarded. This small community earned their Mana Tiaki status receiving a total of $2,800 in cash prizes to continue, maintain and promote their amazing work.

The TVOR committee were impressed by the smallest village on Aitutaki from the get go during their inspections which were held on the 14th of August. Vaipeka mamas used biodegradable resources through the traditional Tapora (woven baskets) used as bins for recyclables.  These were proudly displayed at local graphics designer business, Stonefish Studio. The village of Vaipeka demonstrated more innovative ways of reusing materials such as floaters from the ocean being used for pot plants. Further natural resources were utilized such as Pare ukarau (flax hats) which were distributed to all homes within their village along with locally sewn shopping bags showcasing sustainable practices. 

Aitutaki Tourism Coordinator, Misepa Isamaela commented on the outstanding work of the village of Vaipeka for this round, “it was evident that they had expanded on their cleaning area, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and they have begun replanting trees along the village pathway from the main road to the beach. It was an exciting start to the inspection, being able to witness the collaborated efforts of the community of Vaipeka.”

Other groups were also acknowledged by the TVOR committee such as the hard working mamas of Nikaupara Oire for their commitment in ensuring their community hall is kept very clean on a regular basis, as well as their replanting efforts in the village.  The work did not go unrewarded as they followed in second placing in the Akono i te Ao Rangi and Peu Maori categories winning a total of $1200 towards their community projects.

Vaipae Fishing Club took out third placing in the Akono i te Ao Rangi category receiving $700 towards their fishing club. Vaipae were acknowledged by the TVOR committee for their ongoing efforts to maintain the wharf for the community, visitors and businesses to enjoy.  Takapora Heights who are the staff of the Aitutaki hospital took out third placing for the Peu Maori category for their vegetable/fruit garden initiative receiving a total of $300. Isamaela stated that, “this garden has been a great supplement not only to the hospital meals but also a regular delivery is carried out by the hospital to our elderly community.”

The winners were announced on Aitutaki radio on Friday the 23rd of August with their certificates being personally delivered and presented to each winning village.

For more information on the Te Vaka O Ru competition please contact Misepa Isamaela on [email protected] or +682 31767. A summary of the winners are provided below.

AKONO ITE AO RANGI $2500

• Most clean beach areas
• Least amount of mosquito breeding sites
• Best reuse of rubbish & recycling methods
• Best kept public areas e.g. sports fields, community halls

PLACING

WINNING VILLAGE/GROUP

1ST - $1000

VAIPEKA

2ND - $800

NIKAUPARA

3RD - $700

VAIPAE FISHING CLUB

TUPURANGA TANGATA $1250

• Best kept livestock
• Lowest crime rates
• Community Initiatives

PLACING

WINNING VILLAGE/GROUP

1ST - $1250

VAIPEKA

PEU MAORI $1250

• Best voted flower gardens & beautification
• Best voted agricultural production

PLACING

WINNING VILLAGE/GROUP

1ST - $550

VAIPEKA

2ND - $400

NIKAUPARA

3rd - $300

TAKAPORA HEIGHTS