NZ High Commissioner Opens Kindergarten And Vuna Community Hall In Taveuni

Five years of struggle came to an end for the Holy Cross Primary School’s kindergarten in Taveuni Island.

This was all thanks to the New Zealand Government and Whakatane Rotary Club with the opening of the $38,000 kindergarten facility.

The opening was officiated by the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow on Thursday. Holy Cross Primary School head teacher Paulino Navue said they had a student roll of around 62 and four teachers.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji, Charlotte Darlow, opening of Holy Cross Primary School’s kindergarten in Wairiki, Taveuni on May 26, 2022. Photo: New Zealand High Commission

“So we were having four sessions per day at the existing kindergarten facility which was very difficult for the teachers, students and parents,” Mr Navue said.

“So parents did fundraising and were able to save $12,000 to cater for labour costs.”

He thanked the New Zealand Government and Whakatane Rotary Club for their timely support.

“Now in each facility two sessions are conducted which has made life easier for everyone,” he said

“I would like to also thank the parents from nearby villages and settlements for their timely support.”

Ms Darlow said they were excited to be part of the opening.

“This pre-school facility will provide a much needed larger learning space for the young active learners,” Ms Darlow said.

“Under the High Commission Fund we collaborated with New Zealand based Whakatane Rotary Club to support the construction of the new kindergarten block at the school.”

Yesterday she was accorded a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony by the Vanua of Vuna during the official opening of the Taveuni Rotary Club implemented Vuna community hall.

Rebuilt at a cost of $160,000 to replace Vuna village’s original hall that was destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.