Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia – Sunday School Hall Renovations Complete
RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS, 22 May 2026. The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP) has officially marked the completion of renovation works to the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia – Sunday School Hall, strengthening community safety shelter infrastructure in Ngatangiia and supporting ongoing disaster preparedness objectives for the Cook Islands.
Official representatives from the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme Project Steering Group (PSG) and the Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia met onsite to formally mark the completion of the newly renovated Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia – Sunday School Hall. Following the Church’s approved application for grant funding in 2025, renovation works kicked off strong by the Ngatangiia CIIC Ekalesia project team – Mr. Keta Williams, Mr. Ioveta Kirikava, Mr. Ina Tararo, and Mr. Atato Herman.
The renovation works included a full replacement of the existing roof, removal and reinstatement of solar panels, replacement of damaged ceiling sections, and full internal and external repainting works. Accessibility improvements were also undertaken through the construction of new disability-accessible bathroom facilities, installation of disability access ramps and railings throughout the Hall, and extension of concrete footpaths connecting the Hall to the adjacent washhouse facilities.
Now complete, Ngatangiia CICC Ekalesia – Sunday School Hall is the fourth hall delivered under the Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme, following the opening of Tutakimoa Meeting House in April, providing a multi-purpose space for community use and a strengthened emergency evacuation centre.
Mr. Keta Williams, Ngatangiia Project Lead says “We are very happy to see the works completed and see the Hall being used already by our community. It’s good knowing that the Hall is renovated and is now stronger and more accessible to all thanks to everyone involved. But this isn’t the end, we are already looking at other ways to better improve the Hall in the future including adding more solar panels, increasing water storage on site, and removing an internal wall to widen the floor space inside.”
Mr. Allan Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of CIIC says “The RSSP continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through strong collaboration between government agencies, community groups and Hall committees. Projects like Ngatangiia reflect the shared commitment of CIIC, OPM, EMCI and ICI to improving community resilience across Rarotonga. It was encouraging to walk through the completed Hall and see the quality of works delivered.”
Mr. John Strickland, Director of EMCI says “Facilities such as the Ngatangiia Sunday School Hall play an important role in supporting community preparedness and response during emergency events. EMCI remains committed to working alongside our communities and partner agencies to strengthen safe shelter infrastructure and improve resilience outcomes for the Cook Islands.”
The Rarotonga Safety Shelter Programme (RSSP), delivered by the CIIC in collaboration with OPM, EMCI and ICI, is a Government-led initiative focused on strengthening community resilience by upgrading and repurposing existing community halls into safe, fit-for-purpose emergency shelters. The programme provides funding and project management support while ensuring facilities remain available for everyday community use outside of emergency events. Enquiries regarding the RSSP can be directed to CIIC via rssp.coordinator@cookislands.gov.ck
