Fiji Netball Visit (Update 40)
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Date: Wednesday 2nd June
Time: 1730 hours Tahiti Time (GMT – 10 hours)
Position: Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga

Bula Viti kei Rotuma

It was another busy day yesterday with two functions organised for the crew of Uto ni Yalo.

The first official function was a lunch at the Cook Islands Prime Ministers office for all the vaka crews.

Another wonderful Cook Island meal was put on by the PM and his cabinet of 6 Ministers. I was fortunate enough to sit at the table of the PM and the Minister for Women and Culture, both of whom are strong supporters of Traditional Voyaging.

Also at our table was Maori elder, Matua Hekenukumai (Hector) Busby who is recognised across the Pacific as one of the leaders of Ocean Voyaging and Traditional navigation using traditional double hull voyaging canoes.

Matua Hector is most famous for building and navigating the double hull canoe Te Aurere which has sailed over 30,000 miles.

It was fascinating talking to him about his plans to sail two canoes to Hawaii next year.

Later in the afternoon, the Tovata section of the Cook Islands Fijian Association cooked for us. I maybe biased but there food was incredible.

The Cook Islands Fijian Association led by Lavenia Rokoika, have been absolutely amazing while we have been here. They are so well organised and no doubt it is because of Lavenia’s wonderful leadership.

On Sunday the Kubuna group cooked for us. Tonight we have the Rotuman community cooking and tomorrow before we depart, the Burebasaga group will prepare the ‘Vakasoso ni waqa’, food for the voyage.

Today the local St Joseph Catholic Church women’s group provided lunch for us. The resident priest is Father Loni Mafi from Tonga and he has been a regular at our evening kava sessions.

Lavenia has loaned us her car and allowed the girls to do all our washing at her house. The girls have also been bunking at her house.

The other people that have helped us so much are Elma and James Marurai. Elma is related to Johnathan Smith and is from Fiji and is married to the Cook Islands Prime Ministers son.

They have loaned us their pick up truck, allowed us internet access at their home and Johnathan has been staying with them.

Last but not least is Martin Tiffany who is the News Editor at Cook Islands News. The local newspaper has been filled with articles on the Uto ni Yalo crew and anyone would think it is a Fijian newspaper.

We decided yesterday we would move Uto ni Yalo closer to town to Avatiu Harbour so we started early and departed Avana Harbour at 12noon after doing three hours of maintenance and cleaning on the canoe.

The reason for moving the canoe was to be able to take the Fijian Community out on the canoe for a short sail to repay them in the only way we can for all their generosity and support.

A huge crowd turned up at the wharf to catch a ride with many having to stay behind because we ran out of lifejackets and deck space.

When we first arrived at Avatiu, the Fiji Netball Team paid us a short visit to see the canoe and wish us well for the rest of our voyage.

It certainly lifted the spirits of the crew having the girls on board. If for any reason our departure for Samoa is delayed, we will be at courtside to support you during your games.

Vinaka Fiji Netball for your support.

Moce

Colin/Uto ni Yalo

Report by Satellite Phone courtesy of DIGICEL

 

Fiji netball and Uto crew