Daily vendors from Te Tapora Kai joined the small ceremony, where Bernice Manarangi, Sonya Kamana, Mata Tou-Rani and Mii Upu, alongside Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) chief executive Allan Jensen, were invited to pull the string and reveal the sign at the main entrance.

Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas and Punanga Nui Market Minister George “Maggie” Angene were also in attendance and welcomed the installation.

Nicholas said the new signage will help promote the market area and reflects ongoing improvements to the marketplace.

Market manager William Taripo said he was pleased to see the sign finally in place.

He added that Sonya Kamana also donated a purple jacaranda tree, now planted at the entrance, which will provide shade in the future.

The sign was created by Raymond Solomon of Raro Signs and is expected to improve visibility of Te Tapora Kai for weekday visitors.

Minister Angene encouraged young people to keep the market area clean and tidy, and to take pride in it.