“Manea” was the word of the day as the new Tauhunu Administration Centre on Manihiki Island was officially revealed to the public.
The opening of the Manihiki Island Administration building took place on 23 February and was marked with a blessing ceremony attended by Government officials, the island Mayor and council, other dignitaries, and members of the community from both villages.
Manihiki Island Mayor Ngamata Napara says “Farenui” was the name given to the house.
“Te Farenui o Manihiki henua, e metua vaihine akamoehau note Basileia. Kia hua, kia tata, kia maharahara i te tahuatanga.”
The first island council meeting for the year was in the new chamber.
With budget approval of $580,000 for the project, the new administration building has an open planned office space, a conference room, two office spaces and staff amenities. It will deliver core public services and accommodate 10 public servants, as well as Bank of Cook Islands staff.
Construction of the new Manihiki Island Administration Building in Tauhunu began in May last year.
Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) engaged contractors and staff (predominantly Manihiki based or of Manihiki heritage) and sourced materials from
Cook Islands suppliers to deliver the project.
It was constructed with concrete reinforcement to help withstand the impacts of tropical cyclones and strong winds.