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Trimaran to service Niuas will be launched soon Featured

Trimaran for Niuas under construction in Pipiroa New Zealand Trimaran for Niuas under construction in Pipiroa New Zealand

16 November, 2016. A wind-powered trimaran to provide a more regular shipping service for Tonga's far northern Nuia Islands is to be launched in New Zealand this weekend.

The craft, to be owned and operated by the Nuia community, is the result of several years work initiated by Tongan academic and former politician, Sitiveni Halapua.

Dr Halapua said the Nuias are very distant from Tonga's main island of Tongatapu and because of a very small population, the costs of shipping can be prohibitive.

He said often the people are denied basic goods and services so they raised money for a more suitable vessel.

"We had to design a boat that can provide small cargo, small passengers, but more regular."

The craft is to be launched in New Zealand's Firth of Thames this weekend and will be taken to Half Moon Bay in Auckland for a fit-out before undergoing sea trials on the Waitemata Harbour.

Dr Halapua said he hopes it can sail to Tonga to begin its service to the Nuias at the beginning of next year.

-RNZI

1 comment

  • Oua e Fiu
    Oua e Fiu Friday, 18 November 2016 14:31 Comment Link

    ko hai ia e taefiefia ha kuonga moha to'u tangata 'oe 'Ongo Niua, kuo nau a'u ke 'iai pe honau Vaka fktau pea ngaohi pe 'e hono Kakai ma'ae 'Ongo Motu ni. Tueeee, Tueee, Tueee kiai Niua.
    Malie 'ae project a Niua, he koe pilot project eni ma'ae 'etau nofo fk Pasifiki, ka kohai tene lau 'a Ha'apai mo hono ng 'Otu Motu ?. Na'e vakala pe 'ae aho koeee, pea lava lelei pe 'ae Fefolau'aki fkvaha'a motu. Ka lava pe ha'ane folau tuo ua he Mahina koe toto atu moe fiemalie 'ae Kainga he me'a kotoa pe.
    Talamonuuu atu kihe Langa Ngaue 'oku fkhoko he Ka'inga Niua..........

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