School Books for Aitutaki

We are delighted to report that the books and computer that were so generously donated by many old friends, family and new friends for the Teka'aroa SDA School in Aitutaki have been received by the school with many, many thanks.

The shipment, which had been put together by the Manns and Shakmanns in Warkworth, then delivered to East Tamaki, was finally landed on the last day of Term 1. As soon as school resumed, we delivered 12 boxes of library books and an Apple computer (from Milford Baptist Kindergarten) to the school in their temporary home, "The Shed".

The children were delighted to help open the boxes and look through the books, as 90 percent of their books were lost when the library and other buildings were flattened during Cyclone Pat in February. They are already checking books out of their library for home reading, which is delightful to see - their own toys and books having been largely destroyed.

We made a presentation to the school board, who were touched and greatful for everyones generosity. They are very thankful and quite delighted. The books are an incredible resource for our students, and the computer was in use the day after it was received!

We are particularly proud of the role that the children played in raising awareness and funds for Aitutaki. The SDA teachers are currently discussing the best use for the $530 that was raised by Sherwood Primary School after Chloe Mann (our neice) put a proposal to her principal for a mufti day and coin trail. Felix Tucker (Sienna's God-Cousin) at Red Beach Primary School also made an amazing contribution with books that he collected. It was delightful to see our old school Warkworth Primary being so generous with the books they had taken out of circulation from their library.

Thanks to the following for donations of books and assistance:
• The Shah Family
• The Tucker Family
• The Mann Family (Snr)
• The Mann Family (Jnr)
• The Shackleton-Mann Family
• Pacific Resort Aitutaki
• Warkworth Primary School
• Sherwood Primary School
• Milford Baptist Kindergarten
There were many others who donated books as well.

Meitaki Atupaki - Thank you very much
Kia Manuia - Good luck & live well

Aitutaki Appeals

If you would like to make a donation towards rebuilding Aitutaki, here are some links:

Red Cross NZ: They have been on the ground since Cyclone Pat went through and I see this week they have started giving kids breakfast at school.

An Aitutaki community group in Rarotonga has initiated fundraising in CI communties in the Cooks, Australia and New Zealand. The Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal is planning a concert in Melbourne in April as a part of the fund raising effort.


If anyone is involved with their primary school libraries, I am collecting books for shipping to Aitutaki. I am so proud that WARKWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL has donated 6 boxes of used library books that had been taken out of circulation. Thank you so very much. Between us, The Shahs and Pacific Resort Aitutaki will arrange for these to be shipped up to the island and installed in the libraries of the schools there. If you think you can help us with the library book appeal, please send me an e-mail.