A record number of carvings at the national show but disappointment at lack of tourists

The national carving association this year put on an impressive show of their carvings but were disappointed that COVID 19 restrictions on tourism has impacted on their sales at the national show this year.

According to the organisers, there was in increase in entries this year, with a total of 14 male carvers and one female and they brought in a total of 210 pieces to the show.

This year they chose the traditional vaka heke taha Niuean canoe as their competition for the best carver. The carvers were asked to produce a one-man canoe 1 metre in length and 100 mm in width.

This year the judges chose the canoe made by Tutatue Siakifilo from Mutalau as the winner. In second and third place is Vaughn Falepoe Misileki from Tuapa.

According to Speedo Hetutu from the association, last year they only had 81 pieces on show from 12 male carvers so they are very pleased with the turnout this year.

Sadly though the lack of tourists on the island meant that most of their carvings were not sold on the day, but they look forward to when things will return to normal and the carving community can continue to produce their pieces and sell them to the tourists.

Hetutu said they will be meeting soon to select the item that will be the feature competition piece for the national show day next year.