In an incredible feat of traditional engineering and human muscle, a new Vale ni Vanua is being built in Nubutautau village. Huge logs have been hewn and dragged by hand into place, holes have been dug, soil has been moved, and a vast number of river rocks have been gathered together.

Just a few short weeks after work started, the building which will house all the elders of the tikina (or district) when they meet, is already taking shape.

Nubutautau is the village we stay in for a night on our Cross Highland Hike, and the ending point for the walk on day 1 of the trek. Over the coming weeks we’re looking forward to watching the building get closer and closer to completion.

Navatusila build Vale ni Vanua