Manihiki work slowed by lack of plane fuel

Manihiki atoll … fuel had to be shipped to the island
on a four-day voyage. Photo courtesy Ewan Smith,
of Air Rarotonga.

An international pearl consultant has got to Manihiki by boat – after Air Rarotonga was unable to fly to the northern island because of a lack of fuel there.
Giovanni Bossi, the European Union (EU) pearl marketing consultant, finally travelled to Manihiki on the MV Manunu, the Cook Islands Pearl Authority reports in its latest newsletter.
“There was panic when Air Rarotonga cancelled its flight for 5 October due to a lack of aviation fuel on Manihiki,” the newsletter said.
Luckily, the MV “Manunui” sailed for Manihiki two days later and Bossi made the four-day sea journey.
“It was a very enjoyable trip,” Bossi said.
FARMS
He met and talked to pearl farmers, held meetings, visited several farms and inspected several pearl harvests before flying back.
Bossi also met with several pearl retailers and farmers on Rarotonga.
Bossi will complete the European segment of his assignment before submitting his report early next year, the newsletter said.
It said the Air Rarotonga cancellation also disrupted planned travels by work teams carrying out assignments on behalf of the pearl industry.
A Ministry of Marine Resources team was to do an extensive lagoon and oyster stock survey on Manihiki and Rakahanga.
Data
And an economist was to start a 3-weeks data collection on farm production, costs and revenues to set up industry benchmarks for farmers.
The ministry team and economist travelled a week later after aviation fuel was shipped via Taio Shipping’s “Manunui”.
The newsletter said according to recent reports the quality and lustre of pearls harvested to date in Manihiki have been outstanding.
This is good news for farmers who can look forward to better prices.
The harvest quality may also be reflecting the improving condition of the lagoon which augurs well for the future of the industry

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