MOCD held its first ‘Emergency’ contingency meeting for Te Maeva Nui

The Ministry of Cultural Development held its first ‘Emergency’ contingency meeting Friday 01 June with Agencies participating in Te Maeva Nui 2018.  Present were representatives from the Ministry of Health; CIIC; BTIB; Police; Education; Environment; Avarua School and MoCD Management Staff.

The Secretary Anthony Turua was very happy at the attendance.  Te Maeva Nui is an Event that draws all our Cook Islands people together for a week of Cultural competitions and Festivities.  The participation of the Outer Islands this year presents logistical challenges for the Ministry of Culture.  2,000 people will arrive on Rarotonga, therefore it is important that the Government Agencies who play a supporting role put mechanisms in place to ensure the safety and health of all participating in Te Maeva Nui.

Senior Police Inspector John Strickland reiterated their ‘No Drop’ policy in terms of drink driving during this Festive period.  Police is mindful of the increased numbers of people during this time and encourages everyone to be safe.  Enjoy yourselves but at the same time behave.  There will be Security around the various Event venues and especially Avarua School who will be accommodating 5 teams.

Karen Tairea of the Ministry of Health advised that they will be promoting their NCD (Non Communicable Diseases) Campaign in all Sectors.  The emphasis is on their ‘Eat Healthy’ programs and encourages everyone (including the Cultural teams) to stay hydrated by drinking water or Nu.  Adopting healthy choices plays an important role in their NCD (Non Communicable Diseases) Campaign.  Important too is their ‘Non Smoking’ campaign.  MoCD is working closely with the Health Department in ensuring that their ‘Non Smoking’ policies are followed and people caught offending will be dealt with.

MoCD is also working closely with Environment Services who is asking all attending the Competition venues to please use the allocated Bins for rubbish disposal.  In the lead in to the main Event, Environment in conjunction with MoCD will be promoting the correct way of disposing of rubbish e.g. Plastic, Bottles or any glassware, general rubbish need to be separated, therefore place these in appropriately marked bins.  Already the Ministry has received a large number of Vendor applications on top of their regulars.  The use of Bio-Degradable products is a Priority in support of Eco-friendly practices currently being promoted by Stakeholders involved in Te Maeva Nui.

Te Maeva Nui commences with the Official Opening and Float Parade on Friday 27^th July and concludes on August 06^th.

Official Release:

EVENTS DIVISION

(MoCD)