Helen Henry of Rarotonga
  • Welcome
  • About Helen
  • Living and Loving
  • Reflections
    • My Travels
    • Independence Celebrations
    • Current Events
    • My Life
  • Albums
  • Family Hotel
  • Family History
    • Family Tree
    • What's in a Name?
  • Contact Helen
  • Welcome
  • About Helen
  • Living and Loving
  • Reflections
    • My Travels
    • Independence Celebrations
    • Current Events
    • My Life
  • Albums
  • Family Hotel
  • Family History
    • Family Tree
    • What's in a Name?
  • Contact Helen

WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF AUNTY CAROLINE

19/11/2015

 
Picture
100th Birthday Celebration

Aitutaki farewelled their first and only centenarian, fondly known as Aunty Caroline, on Wednesday 18 November, 2015.
Aunty Caroline was born in Mangaia in 1912 to parents, Vaine Tutai and John Cameron, a Scotsman.   Cameron had been Resident Agent on the islands of Aitutaki, Mangaia and Mauke during his time in the Cook Islands.
Whilst working in Samoa as a nurse, Caroline met a handsome Samoan Chief.   Tanumafili Malietoa became the Head of State of Samoa when the country gained independence.   Their two children, Tutai and Henry were brought up in Samoa and Tutai now holds the chiefly title.   Eventually, Caroline married Dan Daniels of Aitutaki.  After many years living and working in Tokoroa, they retired very happily to Aitutak and a more relaxed pace of life.   Aunty Caroline was extremely independent and lived alone until the last couple of years of her life.  She will be missed by her large extended family and many friends. 

Picture
Four generations meet in Aitutaki to celebrate with Aunty Caroline
Picture
Aitutaki warriors carry Aunty Caroline on a Paata

Picture
Daughter, Tutai helps to blow out the birthday candles
Picture
Queen for a Day

Picture
Always ready for an adventure
Picture
A traditional Turou (welcome) at the village hall

Picture
Picture
In 1961 Aunty Caroline attended my wedding to Hugh in Auckland.    Forty seven years later Johno and I were proud to welcome her as our special guest to our wedding held at Tamanu Beach Resort in 2008.   
Aere ra e aro'a nui.

A Big Welcome Home to Two Grandsons, a Nephew and to the Tiare Taporo

13/11/2015

0 Comments

 
On November 12 the Tiare Taporo sailed in to Avatiu Harbour, Rarotonga, after a lengthy refit in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, and a long and eventful voyage via the Panama Canal.
Picture
Geoffreyna and I were delighted to welcome my two grandsons, Tiavare (Geoffreyna's Dad) and Royle. 
Picture
Picture
The eight-person crew was given a traditional pe'e and welcome by young drummers.
Picture
The captain was the first to come ashore to be welcomed with garlands of flowers.
Picture
Followed by the rest of the crew.
Picture
Tiavare responded to the pe'e, on behalf of the crew.
Picture
Geoffreyna could not wait to hug her Dad.
Picture
She enticed her Dad ashore with an ei.
Picture
Others had to be more patient….but it was worth it. Cook Matt with Mum Lyn
Picture
Directors of Pacific Schooners - my son Michael, and Garth Broadhead - with the captain of the Tiare Taporo.
Picture
A very proud and emotional moment for Michael and me.
Picture
And also a proud moment for Rona McKenzie. Her father had served on the original Tiare Taporo.
Picture
The Tiare Taporo, finally in her home port of Avatiu.
Picture
Flying the Cook Islands' flag.
Picture
Michael - checking the Tiare Taporo
Picture
The welcome party gave Michael an opportunity to catch up with his sons, as well as my nephew Lawton (engineer of the voyage from Panama) and the first mate Travis.
Picture
Dad and sons -serious conversation over a good Panamanian Rum!
Picture
Lawton with his wife, Marie, and family.
Picture
Number ten grandson, Harry, dreaming about when he will sail on the Tiare Taporo.
0 Comments

The Modern Maori Quartet Visits Rarotonga

11/11/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Last evening we were blessed with a stellar performance by the Modern Maori Quartet, playing at the Empire Theatre. At times they became a quintet, with the addition of a former member of the Quartet, ​Jamie McGregor.
Picture
The heat, and the audience, encouraged them to strip - down to their shirts!
​Thank you Glenda and Mo, of Motone Productions.
0 Comments

    Helen says.....

    Life on a small island can be just as busy as in a big city, but I find it much more enjoyable.

    Archives

    November 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.