Cook Islands Kukicast

"Boss" McKegg, Cook Islands Trader

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0100

The CITC in Rarotonga is the closest the Cook Islands get to a superstore and for more than 100 years it’s been a part of daily life. Its story is entwined in the nation’s history thanks to the strength, determination and commitment of its founding father, Robert McKegg from Goodwood, Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, but little has been known about this enigmatic figure until now. Thanks to meticulous research and a treasure trove of family photos, letters and documents, his granddaughter is now sharing the story of the man known affectionately as “Boss”.

In this podcast, Adie (Adriane) Swinburn takes us back to Rarotonga in the 1910s when roads were described as coral with potholes and horses still pulled ploughs and wagons. It’s where Boss’s story began at the age of 23, and he and two other businessmen subsequently established the Cook Islands Trading Company (now Corporation). Adie takes us through the decades, giving an insight into the evolution of the Cook Islands from a missionary outpost to a modern independent country. Along the way she also tells of a whirlwind romance, an array of iconic characters and a spectacularly disastrous fire. Adie is truly fascinating to listen to as she recounts a multitude of unique stories of ups and downs.

And all of this is soon to be shared by way of a book she's written about her grandfather called "Boss McKegg, A Cook Islands Trader" (Copies will be available in Rarotonga in late December/early January, or direct from the author by sending her a Facebook message. Wider availability is expected in the New Year)

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. An updated 2025 version has just been published. 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

MAUKE - a magical paradise through the eyes of the Mayor

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0100

MAUKE is the most easterly of the Cook Islands and even though it’s just a short flight from the capital island of Rarotonga 277 kms away, it’s very different in landscape and lifestyle. There are few visitors but those who venture there discover probably the warmest and most welcoming people anywhere in the Islands.

Our guide is Mauke’s Mayor, Joanne Stephens who tells me how her leadership focusses on service, integrity and love. She talks about the challenges her island faces from wild pigs to depopulation. And we drop in on very special Christmas celebrations and get an insight into a day of singing, dancing, laughter and feasting. Joanne also speaks openly and honestly about being the nation’s first transgender mayor.

Find out more about this island at MAUKE Cook Islands

Now we are 60: The party so far

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0100

What do the best breadfruit stew, the unveiling of 15 stunning murals and a colourful and noisy parade of dancing, drumming and singing in the streets have in common? They're just some of the events so far in a whole year of celebrations marking 60 years of self-government in the Cook Islands.

In this podcast, we look back at what's been happening and hear from those who've been part of the celebrations which have brought the tiny nation together in an unprecedented way. But this is happening against a background of increasing political tensions about the future, with China and the USA in the wings and raising questions about what the next 60 years might be like. First and foremost though, this podcast is a picture in sound of the first months of the biggest party in Cook Islands history

Acknowledgements: Cook Islands News, Cook Islands Television, Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development, Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister

DIAMOND CELEBRATION OF A NATION

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 15:00:00 +0100

The Cook Islands is having the biggest celebration in its history. 2025 sees a whole year of events marking 60 years of self-government and this is a special edition of Kukicast as the main events get underway. Pride in identity is reflected in the chosen theme for the year, "I know who I am. I have a homeland" (Kua Kite au i toku turanga, a Avaiki toku"). The Islands have a past to be proud of but face an uncertain future with threats from climate change, fears about deep sea mining and even from rapidly growing tourism.

In this "birthday card" I look at milestones from the past, at today's Cook Islands and ponder the nation’s future. This an audio version of a documentary video I created which is available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vw_NwmviY3w

Acknowledgements: New Zealand National Film Unit at archives.govt.nz; Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development; Cook Islands Television News; Cook Islands Tourism; Cameron Peterson’s YouTube channel ‘Living Life Unpeeled’. End music: Tiare Maori sung by Katu (T.Bones)

A young family's Cook Islands legacy

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0100

This is a very personal story of a young family from London, England who moved to the Cook Islands to work as missionaries at a pivotal point in its history. It’s told in a new book by way of some of the hundreds of letters, photos and documents they sent home to their parents.

Their son, Simeon Sturney talks about what that legacy reveals about Islands' life in the late 1950s and early 60s and why he’s sharing it. He also relates an emotional story about how he was born on the island of Aitutaki and nearly died hours later with breathing difficulties. There’s a happy footnote to the tale too about how, many years later, he met by chance at a rugby league world cup match the nephew of the doctor who helped save his life.

Simeon also reflects on how the islands have changed and his thoughts about the future as the Cooks celebrate 60 years of self-government. And referring to the title of the book, he asks a 21st century readership: “What’s your legacy?”

The book – “Legacy – A Missionary’s Life – Letters from the Cook Islands” is available through Amazon and some Christian bookshops in the UK. Work is in progress to make it more widely available. It’s lavishly illustrated with the help of independent freelance designer, Faye Porter who worked with Simeon to create the book published by Sarah Grace Publishing (ISBN 978-1-917455-21-3)

The biggest birthday party in Cook Islands' history

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:00:00 +0100

2025 marks 60 years of self-rule in the Cook Islands and big celebrations are planned. Emile Kairua from the Ministry of Cultural Development is organising them and in this podcast he gives an insight into what's planned and the challenges he faces putting together the biggest party in Islands' history. He talks about what it is to be a Cook Islander and why the celebrations are an exciting "family reunion" for young and old alike. He also looks back 60 years and forward to reflect on what the future holds with the ever-present threat of climate change, fears some have around plans for seabed mining and the Islands' growing relationship with China.

(The audio clip of the Rakahanga performance in 2015 is from a recording by the Ministry of Cultural Development)

PALMERSTON ISLAND - An Englishman's Legacy

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0100

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 its 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

Hold the front page!

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Meet the man who knows more about the Cook Islands than nearly anyone else…because it’s his job to know. Rashneel Kumar is the editor of ‘Cook Islands News’, the six days a week national newspaper. It’s a must read for thousands of islanders and many more overseas who keep up with what’s happening through its on-line edition. Rashneel talks about what’s involved in his day job and the challenges of reporting a nation of 15 islands spread across nearly 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean where more than 1,400 kms separates the island furthest north from the one furthest south.

With stories like a controversial partnership agreement with China, deep sea mining plans and strained relations with New Zealand now making the front pages of his paper, he shares his thoughts on whether the Cook Islands has reached a turning point in its history. And although the Islands are one of the most remote places in the world, he provides an insight into how the Ukraine war and the Trump presidency are affecting the nation.

The paper also has a journalism charter which is a set of principles that include a commitment be being humble. Rashneel explains how that works and why it's important.

There’s a bit fun too with some quick fire questions where he tells us, among other things, about his favourite food and his top tip for visitors

Why the Cook Islands should be on every bucket list

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The Cook Islands are a very long way from anywhere unless you happen to live in New Zealand…and even then they’re a three and a half hour plane journey away. So how do you persuade people from the UK, Europe and the USA to discover this remote South Pacific Paradise? That’s the challenge facing Robert Skews every day as he promotes the Islands through his Cook Islands’ businesses ‘Island Hopper Vacations’ and the ‘Turama Pacific Travel Group’.

His focus is very much on the Northern hemisphere market and in this episode he explains why the Islands should be on everyone’s bucket list wherever they live... and even if the Islands are “around the corner from nowhere” (the title of my book about the Cooks, by the way). He explains what makes them so special and how they’re offering a unique experience.

Robert was part of a small team promoting the islands to key tour operators in the UK, Europe and the US when I caught up with him, and he was joined on his mission by colleague Stephen Doherty. In answers to some quick fire questions, the pair also provide a very personal view on the place they call home and why they want to share it with the world.

AITUTAKI - Jewel in the Cook Islands crown

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Aitutaki is the second most visited of the Cook Islands and a picture-perfect paradise with a lagoon so blue you’d think someone had painted it that colour! Swimming or snorkelling among its colourful coral and abundant sea life is like being in a gigantic tropical fish tank. Tourism is well-developed but Aitutaki still remains unspoiled and life moves at the sort of pace the rest of the world has forgotten. It’s also easy to get to from the capital island of Rarotonga and even if you haven’t the time to stay, a day trip will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

In this edition of Kukicast, Aitutaki’s Mayor Nick Henry shares his unique insight into the island. He talks about memorable attractions like whale watching, swimming among giant clams and an abundance of turtles and how best to explore that beautiful lagoon. And he also shares his thoughts on ethical tourism, work to protect the island from the worst effects of climate change and about the controversial plans to mine the seabed around the Cooks for rare minerals. This is a fascinating look at a true wonder of the travel world – a place a good few books say everyone should visit before they die.

16 years alone on a deserted island

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The idea of living alone for years on a deserted island might be a nightmare for some, but for Tom Neale it was his dream come true. He spent 16 years of his life on remote Suwarrow in the Cook Islands and became world famous when he told his story in the book, “An Island to Oneself”.

Now, nearly 60 years after its publication his daughter, Stella Neale has provided a new perspective on the remarkable story with her own epilogue in a new edition of the book. In this podcast, Stella reflects affectionately and at times emotionally on her father’s extraordinary life. She talks about how he was misunderstood and why he chose to live hundreds of miles away from the nearest civilisation. She also reads extracts from that new epilogue. This is a unique and fascinating insight into an icon of Cook Islands history.

The updated (2024) edition of "An Island to Oneself" is published by HarperCollins (New Zealand) and is available as a hardback (ISBN 978 1 7755 4266 7) and ebook (ISBN 978 1 7754 9297 9)

Fish sandwiches and beer - Ian Rankin's Cook Islands

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Cook Islands are a world away from Edinburgh in Scotland where best selling author, Ian Rankin lives and his novels about Detective Inspector John Rebus are set. But in this episode, Ian recalls his holiday in the Polynesian paradise. The unspoiled beauty, the friendly locals…and the fish sandwiches and local beer all made a big impression. He also talks about Rebus, why the curmudgeonly cop is unlikely ever to end up there and what might be next for his much loved maverick. It’s a unique and fascinating insight into the an aspect of Ian’s life never before heard.

Introducing Kukicast

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Find out what KUKICAST is all about in this short introduction with clips from some of the episodes. Presenter John Roberts tells of his love for this Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific and how this podcast is his way of sharing it with the help of guests including tourism boss, Karla Eggleton, Aitutaki Mayor Nick Henry and best selling author, Sir Ian Rankin. Discover the Cook Islands through the eyes of those who have their own insight.

Sharing the love: Cook Islands Tourism CEO

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:00:00 +0100

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THE COOK ISLANDS SO SPECIAL? Karla Eggelton definitely knows because she’s lived there all her life and is uniquely placed to tell us as she’s Chief Executive of tourism. In this episode, she gives us a unique insight into the capital island of Rarotonga, its next most visited neighbour, the stunningly beautiful Aitutaki and some of the 13 other islands which make up this Polynesian paradise in the South Pacific. Among them are some of the most remote and unspoiled places on the planet.

Karla explains how new flights are making the Cook Islands easier to get to. She also talks passionately of Cook Islands cultural values, including protecting the environment, caring for each other and how Islanders want to share a love of their homeland with the world. Get some tourist tips too in her answers to a fun, quick fire quiz.

This is a must listen if you're thinking about a visit to the Cook Islands or just want to know more about a uniquely special little paradise.

The copyright free music included in this episode is by the fantastic 'Koka Lagoon Boys' of the Cook Islands (search for more them on YouTube)

"Trader Jack" Cooper - a Cook Islands legend

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 16:00:00 +0100

Trader Jacks near the harbour on Rarotonga is iconic. In this episode, Jack's daughter, Vanessa talks about its colourful history and its legendary owner. Sadly, Jack Cooper died in June, 2022 but his legacy lives on in a new book. Vanessa chats about that and shares some of the 40 years of trials and tribulations, hilarious stunts and downright unbelievable events in the life of a man who was dubbed the "Gordon Ramsey of the Rarotonga hospitality ecosphere".

Jacks' book, "40 years behind bars. A publican in paradise" can be ordered on line at https://40ybb.com. Shipping is worldwide or if you're in Rarotonga you can buy a copy at Traders (Unfortunately currently sold out)

A Young Adventurer on Penrhyn/Tongareva

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0100

24 year old Tom Robinson from Brisbane, Australia was on an 8,000 nautical miles voyage from Peru to Australia aiming to become the youngest person ever to row single-handed across the Pacific. He spent 12 months a tiny boat he designed and built himself and made landfall along the way to resupply and explore the cultures of the South Pacific. Tom ended up on Penrhyn (Tongareva) in the Cook Islands by sheer chance after being blown off course and that's where I caught up with him. He gives a unique insight into this remote, unspoiled and rarely visited tropical paradise and explains why he wants his remarkable adventure to inspire others.

AN UPDATE: Since this recording was made, Tom has returned home safely to Australia. Sadly, his dream came to an end when his tiny craft was overturned by a huge wave near Vanuatu as he was on the final leg of his voyage and he had to be rescued. However, Guinness World Records have added him to their books as the youngest person to row across the Pacific. And he has memories to last a lifetime from his time on Penrhyn which he shares in this podcast

Tom shares more of his impressions and pictures of his time on Penrhyn on my website at Penrhyn, Cook Islands - "a slice of paradise"