Construction of new port on Niue Island begins

Construction work has officially begun on the new Niue Museum at Tupapa (opposite the Ministry of Health administrative building).

The project kicked off on Saturday as members of the Niuean community carefully demolished the old homes that occupied the land to lay the foundations for the new Farle Niue Hostel.

Workers are salvaging whatever materials can be reused to build a storage shed behind the house.

“This is an exciting development for us and we are eager to see our project progress,” said Sisi Short, board member of the Cook Islands Community and Friends of Niue (CINCF).

Short said they are currently demolishing the old home and will be recycling materials as much as possible.

“Another working bee will be held this Saturday at 8am and we encourage Niueans to come and help.”

Once the old building was demolished and T&M Heather cleared the site, the next step was to lay the foundation for the new dorm.

The Niuean community has been working hard to raise funds to support their relief efforts.

In June, the Cook Islands Niue Community and Friends held a major raffle that raised $325,000. The raffle goal was to raise $500,000. However, tickets sent overseas, particularly to Australia and New Zealand, were returned due to concerns it was a scam.

Next Saturday, August 31, Niueans will hold auditions for the Cook Islands Got Talent fundraiser at the Staircase.

Short said the talent contest is only for “residents” and “non-professional artists” and the registration deadline is early next week.

“If you are a singer, dancer, comedian, magician, storyteller or have a talent, we encourage you to attend this event,” Short said.

“The total prize money is $10,000, spread across various categories. All prize money will go toward hosting a charity event.”

Cook Islands Got Talent will run for five weeks, with the grand final taking place on September 28, 2024.

Participant registration is $20 for a single performance and $30 for performances of three or more. For more information, call Sisi Short at 52881.

There are over 200 Niueans living on Rarotonga and the funds raised from the event will go towards their proposed new two-storey 400 square metre Fale Niue project.

The lodge is built on land gifted by CINCF chairperson Meleaone Tumi’i and her late brother John Tangi. In 2018, they gifted a plot of land for the proposed lodge.