Cook Islands Kukicast
Discover the South Pacific paradise of the Cook Islands through fascinating chats with those who have a unique insight
Cook Islands Kukicast
PALMERSTON ISLAND - An Englishman's Legacy
PALMERSTON ISLAND, 500kms North West of the capital island of Rarotonga, is populated by the descendants of Englishman William Marsters who settled there in 1863. And although it’s part of the Cook Islands, a law passed in 1954 gives those descendants ownership of the island in perpetuity. Six main islets are scattered around it 39 sq. kms of lagoon and the easternmost is home to just 25 people according to the most recent census. Stella Neale is one of the residents descended from William through his daughter Elizabeth and was herself born on the island. In this podcast she gives us a unique insight into William and into the place she chose to retire to after a long and successful career in nursing in New Zealand. She takes us on a tour of the tiny Home Island pointing out the house and church Marsters himself built over 150 years ago, the school with just 7 students and tells us about claims of links to the British Royal Family. She also reflects on her life on the remote atoll and why it’s so appealing. My website has William's story in detail starting here: William Marsters of Palmerston - the early years
ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an expert on this remote islands nation. CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)
MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. All profits are donated to dementia charities
EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands
