Cook Island Coastwatchers honoured decades after WWII service

There were emotional scenes in Wellington today as 25 men were recognised for the parts they played during World War II.

Family members of the Pacific Island Coastwatchers, who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during the war were formally acknowledged — more than 80 years after their service.

The work was often dangerous — in 1942, 17 men based on the Tarawa Atoll were captured and beheaded by Japanese forces — but years after their New Zealand counterparts, the Cook Island Coastwatchers were acknowledged in a ceremony.

"It is a deeply personal moment of reflection and remembrance — our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brother served with unwavering dedication often, in the most perilous of conditions to protect our freedom and sovereignty," the Cook Islands Consul General Keu Mataroa said.

As well as a lack of recognition, the men were also paid less than New Zealand Coastwatchers.

"It was a failing at the time that they were not recognised... but, when I found out they were getting 12 to 14% of the pay of people doing pretty much exactly the same work, I was really shocked," defence historian John Crawford said.

The grandson of one watcher, Willie Cuthers, led the charge for recognition. He said he just wanted "acknowledgement" for his grandfather serving.

"That's what I wanted, that people just acknowledge that happened — they did serve."

The families of the watchers collected certificates and the Coastwatchers themselves will have service plaques attached to their graves.

Coastwatchers who served:

· Pu Banaba

· Frank Henry Bissmire

· William B. Burt

· William Cuthers

· Louis Thomas Dean

· Enua Eteke

· William E. Farr

· Charles A. Glennie

· Tai-O-Tonga Henry

· Ioaba Tearaia Marsters

· Teuru Nena

· Tai Nicholas

· Pama Pamatatau

· Vetevihi Pamatatau

· Tanu Raina

· Tutu Ringiao, QSM

· Rubena Robati

· Rua Nia Rua

· Ngatuakana Ruaporo

· Reginald C.T. Savage

· Eustace Edgar Suckling

· Sir Tangaroa Tangaroa, MBE

· John Tariau

· Nato Temu

· Toka Temu

· Taramai Tetonga Tiraa

· Tuakana Tikitau, MBE

· Ngaputa Turua Paruru

· Teatamira Uangakore

· Papehia Rere Wichman.

For more on the Coastwatchers, including the link to the Cook Island Queen, watch the above video.

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