Impressive Alofi North women leaders ask the government for a new access road at the village show day

Village show days are usually very well attended but this year is even more festive as locals turn up to support their families and friends. Last Saturday was Alofi North’s turn to host the island to displays of specially grown produce, carvings and crafts, yummy food and great entertainment.

The Australian High Commissioner Susan Allen was very impressed with the well-spoken women leaders of Alofi North, MP Hon. Tukuitoga, VC Chairperson Rupina Morrissey, village elder Mrs Ofo Chapman and Youth Leader Liline Morrissey, acknowledging their efforts in her speech.

Village show days is also traditionally the day when the village councils present their wish list to the government.

Rupina Morrissey on behalf of the village council asked the Government to do something to clear the track called Maagiagi from central Alofi to Paliati. She said that the Alofi North Village council would like this track turned into a proper access road to help the village during times emergencies.

The only access to Paliati now is the main road from the Utuko junction and this is not suitable should an emergency require the evacuation of the village.

In response government minister Hon. Sauni Togatule acknowledged the request on behalf of the government.

The member of parliament for the village Hon. Va’ainga Tukuitoga welcomed the crowd and thanked all for supporting their show day. She told everyone that the theme of the day was “Recycle /up-cycle”, something we should all consider in the fight against excessive waste.

This was acknowledged by the New Zealand High Commissioner Helen Tunnah in her speech saying that international organisations are estimating that the production of plastic items will continue to increase.

The day ended with the performances by the youth for those who stayed on to enjoy the festivities with the people of Alofi North. The events were all done and completed before the heavy downpour.

Avatele and Mutalau are the next villages to hold their show days in October including the national show day as part of the constitution celebrations.