University students share experience during project

The on-going Cool Roof Project that began at the end of last year has brought to the island a group of young and vibrant university students from New Zealand.

BCN News caught up with two of the young Niueans who shared more about their experience during the project. 

The Niue University students from New Zealand, have been called in to be part of the data collecting team, and for these students the experience of returning home has been a chance to connect with their roots. 

For third year Health Science student of Auckland University, Keali’i Hekau, his experience overall has been positive. 

This is his third time being part of the project and says he enjoyed staying on the island and was amazed at the hospitality of the people. 

For Jordyn Vilipaama-Mokolei, it’s been a great opportunity to come back home and help out in the Project visiting  village to village and interacting with the locals. 

The New Zealand born Niuean says its been beneficial for her as she has learnt a lot from the matuas and their stories and learning Vagahau.

Both  students feel that if you want to attract the Niuean diaspora to come back to the island, they should be shown the work aspect of what it’s like and that there are  avenues here to contribute to. 

The Cool Roof project is part of a global study on cool roof effectiveness on health, environment and economic outcomes.

The project has been carried out by an Auckland University research team led by Professor Sir Colin Tukuitonga.