A documentary about the transition of the Cook Islands and how its people and way of life will be affected by the coming of mass tourism. Narrated by Peter Vere-Jones
The narrator describes Rarotonga as a latter day Eden. But will the coming of tourism destroy its way of life? He gives a brief history of the Cook Islands and its current relationship with New Zealand.
With self-government in 1965 came the desire for more economic independence. Tangaroa Tangaroa, the leader of the opposition explains the Cook Islanders are ashamed of always getting aid from New Zealand and want to do more for themselves.
Tourism will come to Rarotonga in 1972 with the completion of the jet airport. Money for the airport comes from New Zealand and Air New Zealand will trade its sole landing rights for access to American cities.
Les Davis, New Zealand High Commissioner, says this will be a valuable bargaining point with American airlines, and the Cook Islands stand to gain from tourism.
Pa Ariki, one of the highest traditional title holders, says she is concerned about how tradition and tourism will exist side by side.
Daniel Api, 25 year old community development officer, says laws will protect people from exploitation of their land and he is not concerned about tourism coming.
Actuality of a concert party singing as they head out to a cruise ship in lighters and hawkers selling baskets, lei, fabrics and carvings on the ship.
Pa Ariki says she is happy with the current situation. Premier Albert Henry says the expression 'when the door is opened it blows in all sorts of leaves', indicates the people realise opening the airport may bring problems, but they realise it will bring economic benefit also.
The recently formed Tourist Authority is directed by Arthur Helm and Percy Henderson is his deputy. They describe the hotel Otira Rarotonga, which will be pulled down and a modern tourist hotel built on the beachfront site.
Pa Ariki says she doesn't understand why you should sacrifice your traditions and culture for a few dollars. Reverend Bernard Thorogood of Cook Islands Christian Church talks about what remains of traditional culture in the Cook Islands and how it will be impacted by tourism.
Actuality is heard of the newly formed Cook Islands National Arts Theatre, which is soon to tour New Zealand.
Actuality of two boys ploughing with horses. Will production on the land be ruined by people moving into tourism employment? Albert Henry says this is a fear of his. Pa Ariki says her son is reluctant to farm when tourism money is coming.
The drift of people from the outer islands to Rarotonga could increase with tourism. Tupui Henry, Minister of Agricultural Affairs talks about projects on the outer islands to encourage people to stay there. Albert Henry says rising wages could be a problem and needs to be controlled.
Ronald Syme says the Europeans will be the ones making money from tourism. Banks are European, practically all trade is in the hands of European interests, as is shipping, hotels, restaurants, transport. How are the island people going to make any money?
Albert Henry says the government will be keeping a close eye on profits made from tourism. Tupui Henry says people may say they like things as they are, but there are rural families living in poor conditions who need to have their lives improved.
Actuality of church singing is heard at Nikao Church, which will be demolished to make way for the airport and a new church built nearby. Will strict Sunday observance be changed by tourism? Albert Henry says some concessions will be made and some sports may be allowed but not competitive sports. There will be no relaxation of licensing laws.
Will the Cook Island people themselves change? An unidentified man says he is sorry that people will become more anxious for money and they will lose their customs and traditional way of life, as has happened with the Tahitians.
The narrator describes what New Zealand tourists will see when they come to Rarotonga - a bright, shiny, new, Rarotonga "Mark II" - there will be some who mourn the loss of Rarotonga "Mark I".