HEARTLAND: AITUTAKI. THE RETURN OF THE CHILDREN OF VAIPAE

For Cook Islanders, there are two Heartlands, one in New Zealand and one on the home island. Annie Whittle travels to the village of Vaipae in the Northern Cook Islands. Vaipae needed a new mission house, and the call went out, with the Cook Islanders in New Zealand contributing, then returning to the opening ceremony. Events on the island also include a traditional wedding and the Vaipae Yacht Club Annual Regatta.

Annie Whittle talks to interviewees: Palangi Robbie Harris, married to a Cook Islander, and his wife Ngara Harris; Mi’i Daniels, Cook Island warden, daughter No’ovai Daniels; Iva Singsam, Middlemore Hospital Pacific Islander liaison; Pacific Islands Church, Mangere members including Moeroa Daniels; Rev Daniel Tuakeu Kereu; Tuaene Williams, Builder; Rere Upoko; Neoroa Tobin, Tautu Village; Tuaini Roi; Fia’aluatu Singsam; Mau Tuakeu; Maria Takata’inga; Ru Newhome; Rev Faleto’ese; Rangituruturu Pitomake; Dorothy Newhome; Peo Potini.