POLY ROCK'RZ take up the challenge

[Inangaro Vakaafi]

Our group the POLY ROCK'RZ took up the challenge on the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year of the new millennium. It was an overcast day that did not make for great lighting for filming but the activity went ahead.

We had 11 young volunteers take up the challenge to be part of Niue's first contribution to this One Day on Earth initiative. The concept was based on getting 11 young people to complete 11 fun activities on the day and show off some of the islands natural features.

Up at the crack of dawn we headed down to the only market on the island to check out some of the local produce and get some breakfast. Nane or nani is the Niuean equivalent to porridge as it is made out of young coconut juice and flesh with arrow root powder mixed to a pasty consistency. There we posed for a few pictures before heading to the only police station in town.

As we hoisted the Niue flag with true patriotic spirit we sang the national anthem "Ko e Iki he Lagi" as busloads of children drove past for another day of learning.

We stopped off at the only primary school on the island, Niue Primary School as they went about their normal weekly school assembly with a Christmas theme to it.

The Hannan International Airport provides a good backdrop for a group challenge as the girls sing and dance briefly to "Ko Niue" followed by the boys takalo "Ko Mautolu Nei".

A brief stop at Niue High School which also happens to be the only secondary school on the island is a photo opportunity as the group try to spell out words on the field.

We pick up eleven bicycles and cycle down to the only wharf on the island. Sir Robert's Wharf named after our very first premier Sir Robert Rex.

We pop in to Swanson's Supermarket the largest supermarket in town for some refreshments before heading off to one of the greatest landmarks on the island TOGO. Our inland beach that takes you through lush forest before you emerge out of the wild to a land of pinnacles and rock formations a real contrast to the ocean blue.

The group head off to Uluvehi for a tree planting exercise where the Mutalau Village Council kindly donate 11 specially selected niutupu's/coconut plants for the group to plant. Niue's name derives from the coconut plant, it simply translates to "Behold This Coconut". A few minutes of digging and then planting the coconuts with the hope that they would grow to be strong and provide nourishment to others.

Niue is a coral atoll made up of limestone with a myriad of rock caves. We visit one located on the seaside called Palaha, for some it was a first time and an amazing experience.

Something out of the ordinary Las Vegas night on Niue its not an every day thing but just so happened to be held at the only Golf Club in town. The Poly Rock'rz looked on but no bets were placed as a few grumbling tummies were due for some nourishment.

To top the day off a group dinner at Talo's restaurant with a few weary exhausted individuals who conquered the 11.11.11 challenge

If you have to ask me what makes Niue unique its the fact that in order to see the best features of the island you have to go to the extremes and the island will test your will power.

OUR POLY ROCK'RZ
Kalo, Talo, Trina, Biu, Zeta, Zak, Line, Nola, Liki, Taga, Ricco.

Our last minute director Numa, cameraman Punu.........Director/Cameraman BV 'Mr Facebook' lol.

Thankyou Niue Tourism, Niue Backpackers, Talo's Restaurant, Swanson's Ltd and all our supporters it was an EPIC JOURNEY.