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. 

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.

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.

Geoffreyna and I were delighted to welcome my two grandsons, Tiavare (Geoffreyna's Dad) and Royle. 

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.

The heat, and the audience, encouraged them to strip - down to their shirts!
​Thank you Glenda and Mo, of Motone Productions.