The Cook Islands became self governing in 1965. After the country’s first general election the late Sir Albert Henry became the first Prime Minister. Soon after, my late husband, the second son of Albert Henry, decided to return to the Cook Islands to participate and assist in the development of the small island nation.

We arrived in August 1969, along with four young sons. Our daughter, Katherine, arrived soon after. Hugh and I quickly became involved in the local community. I was a founding member of a Pre-school Learning Centre, a member of the local primary school committee, President of the Hospital Comforts Committee and Patron of the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation. As the family grew older my interests also evolved. I became the Secretary of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, President of the Business and Professional Women’s Association and a member of the Pan Pacific South East Asia Women’s Association.

For many years Hugh and I operated an inbound tourism company and also organized ongoing Cook Islands’ educational programmes for Elderhostel and Pacific Island Travel Groups.

Now retired, along with my eldest son I retain an interest in the lovely Tamanu Beach, located on the island of Aitutaki, with its world famous lagoon. If you visit the Resort you may find me somewhere in the tropical garden, weeding and pruning.

Early in 2013 I published my memoir, My Kotuku of the South Seas: Living and Loving in Rarotonga. A German edition was published in 2017.

I am proud to say that my five children live and work in the Cook Islands. I am also very proud of my 17 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

I am now happily married to John (Johno) Hay. We share a love of island life and of travel, particularly in the Pacific. We reside on Rarotonga, the capital island of the Cook Islands, but visit Aitutaki frequently, for family and business catch ups.

I encourage everyone to come to the Cook Islands, and visit ‘Heaven while they are still on Earth’.