TereoraTAMAAU84525 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Tereora Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TAMAAU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84525 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 25 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 14/06/1963 Place of Death Aitutaki, Cook Islands Death Registration Number AITU19630012 Headstone/Grave Location Unknown grave location. Undelivered military headstone located at the RSA, Nikao, Rarotonga Next of Kin Tamaau (father), Tuiarongo (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE12505646 Additional Information Attested in Rarotonga 12 June 1918. Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 10 July 1918. Discharged 7 December 1918 due to the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

BobNGATAMA60772 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Bob Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) NGATAMA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60772 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Papu NGATAMA Date of Birth 20 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 23/11/1927 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19270937 Headstone/Grave Location Headstone memorial: Muri, Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Akae (mother) Atiu, Ngatama (father) Mauke, Cook Islands, Tangi (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10877268 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp 12 March 1918. Embarked at Wellington 13 June 1918 to disembark at Suez 4 August 1918 to join the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde Training Regiment and Base Depot at Moascar. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Developed Influenza and was transferred to the 110th Field Ambulance 17 October 1918 and the 24th Stationary Hospital at Kantara and then the 27th Stationary Hospital, Abbassia 20 October 1918. Embarked for New Zealand on SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Date of death: 23/11/1927 (as per Cook Islands death register) 24/11/1927 (as per military headstone) Our team have received information which leads us to believe that this headstone and the neighbouring headstone of Pte Tua Tafifiura were moved from the graves, and the graves were subsequently cleared during the construction of the Muri Beach Club Hotel. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

JohnCOULL22541 11th & 17th Maori Reinforcements 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Second Lieutenant First Name/s (as per enlistment record) John Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) COULL Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 22541 11th & 17th Maori Reinforcements 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 01/03/1884 Place of Birth Aberdeen, Scotland Date of Death 20/5/1963 Place of Death Whanganui, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1963/42166 Headstone/Grave Location Aramoho Cemetery, Whanganui, New Zealand Next of Kin George Coull (father), Saint John's Hill, Wanganui, New Zealand Mrs Elizabeth Mary Coull (wife), Auckland Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE12391069 Additional Information Enlisted at Trentham Camp 26 October 1915. Posted as 2nd Lieutenant to Narrow Neck Military Training Camp 24 July 1916 with Bush and Fromm and selected as a Reinforcement Officer for the 2nd Rarotongan Contingent 1 November 1916. Disembarked Egypt 27 December 1916 and posted to Rarotongan Company 28 December 1916 as a Platoon Commander. Tried by General Court Martial in Egypt September 1917 for drunkenness and found not guilty. He was the subject of an adverse report from Captain Bush and General Chaytor on his character and behaviour and he was returned to New Zealand on 25 October 1917. Discharged 9 January 1918 "service not required". Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Headstone image source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/236771754/john-coull Further Links https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10060215 Previous Next

Get the latest updates on Cook Islands military history. Latest News NZDF confirms medals for 85 Cook Islands WWII veterans after decades of denial https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/581184/nzdf-confirms-medals-for-85-cook-islands-wwii-veterans-after-decades-of-denial NZDF and researchers confirm 85 Cook Islands soldiers eligible for Second World War service medals https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/nzdf-and-researchers-confirm-85-cook-islands-soldiers-eligible-for-second-world-war-service-medals/ New headstone unveiling to correct ‘brave soldier’s’ record Cook Islands News Friday 26 September 2025 Cook Islands Television News Monday 15th July 2024 The family of Papa Tai-O-Tonga are relieved by the status given to him as a coast watcher for his service during WWII Cook Islands News Friday 12 July 2024 Family reunites to celebrate WWII Coastwatcher Cook Islands News Wednesday 10 July 2024 New website helps families find World War I ancestors’ graves New Zealand 1NEWS 03 July 2024 Cook Islands Coastwatchers honoured decades after WWII service Cook Islands News Thursday 27 June 2024 Honouring the forgotten: Cook Islands Coastwatchers to receive recognition

JimPORI16/1216 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Jim Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) PORI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1216 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as David Simpson Pori MAKEA Date of Birth 1896 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 08/06/1970 Place of Death Hastings, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1970/33060 Headstone/Grave Location Waiputa Māori Cemetery, Hastings, New Zealand Next of Kin Pori Te Pou Makea (father), Te Pivai Simpson (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10373418 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 27 September 1915 and disembarked ex. SS Navua in Suez 15 March 1916. Embarked for France from Port Said 9 April 1916 with the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. Transferred to Rarotongan Company 5 March 1918. Embarked for New Zealand ex SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MakeaJOSEPH84530 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Makea Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) JOSEPH Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84530 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 18/07/1897 Place of Birth Aitutaki, Cook Islands Date of Death 25/02/1965 Place of Death Tokoroa, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1965/29048 Headstone/Grave Location Tokoroa Cemetery, Tokoroa, New Zealand Next of Kin Maki (mother), Joseph (father), Jessie Makea (adopted father) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10172047 Additional Information Enlisted 12 June 1918 and discharged 7 December 1918. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

GeorgeTUAINE12/1812 3rd Reinforcements, 1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment, Rarotongan Company < Back Highest Rank Sergeant First Name/s (as per enlistment record) George Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TUAINE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 12/1812 3rd Reinforcements, 1st Battalion Auckland Infantry Regiment, Rarotongan Company Also known as Tuainekara Tinirau TAMATOA Date of Birth 21/7/1893 as per service record Place of Birth Aitutaki, Cook Islands Date of Death 26/08/1966 Place of Death Christchurch, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1966/36435 Headstone/Grave Location Ashes were uplifted from New Zealand and returned to Aitutaki, Cook Islands for interment at Araura, Aitutaki, Cook Islands Next of Kin Tauite (father). Spelling as per service record Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10457241 Additional Information Enlisted at Trentham Military Camp New Zealand on the 4 December 1914 stating that he was born in Aitutaki Cook Islands and that his occupation was a seaman. Embarked at Alexandria 12 April 1915 for Gallipoli. Wounded in action with shrapnel to his left thigh and admitted to 17th General Hospital on 19 May 1915 then Glymenopouls Hospital, Alexandria from 6 June 1915 to 23 June 1915 and was then employed as a storeman at the New Zealand Advance Base at Mustapha Barracks, Alexandria from the end of June 1915 to 11 February 1916 when he rejoined his battalion. He embarked for France 6 April 1916. Transferred to New Zealand Pioneer Battalion 2 March 1917. Contracted pleurisy in October 1917 and was evacuated to 1st New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst, the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital at Hornchurch and the New Zealand Engineer Reserve Depot at Christchurch, United Kingdom. Returned to France 7 May 1918 and was transferred to Depot Unit of Supply, Marseille for passage to Egypt on 16 May 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 1 July 1918 and returned on SS Malta and was discharged in New Zealand 7 March 1919. He re-enlisted for Home Service in Auckland on 11 August 1919, but his discharge date is unknown. Age at death recorded as 68 years on memorial plaque. Brother of Private Rima PA 16/1195. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

PhillipANDREWS20798 9th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Phillip Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) ANDREWS Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 20798 9th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company Also known as Tuitatau PHILLIPS Andrew PHILLIPS Phillip Tui ANDREWS Date of Birth 28/09/1895 Place of Birth Levuka, Fiji Date of Death 10/09/1980 Place of Death Kasavu, Savusavu, Fiji Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Andrews Family Cemetery, Savusavu, Fiji Next of Kin William Andrews (father), Kasaru, Fiji Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11140041 Additional Information Embarked on SS Tofua at Wellington 20 October 1916 and was employed on the voyage as a trimmer on the ship. Arrived Devonport, United Kingdom 29 December 1916 and posted to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion in France 17 February 1917. Transferred to the Rarotongan Company 14 January 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 5 March 1918. Discharged 20 March 1919. Arrived back in Fiji March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Further Links https://28maoribattalion.org.nz/index.php/photo/phillip-tui-andrews Previous Next

KirikavaATAI84546 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Kirikava Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) ATAI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84546 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Atai KIRIKAVA Date of Birth 21 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Aitutaki, Cook Islands Date of Death 28/05/1959 Place of Death Aitutaki, Cook Islands Death Registration Number AITU19590013 Headstone/Grave Location Amuri, Aitutaki, Cook Islands Next of Kin Tuamaki K Atai (wife), Atai (father), Elizabeth (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10060860 Additional Information Enlisted 10 July 1918 at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand and discharged 7 December 1918. Date of death: 28/05/1959 (as per Cook Islands death register) 29/05/1959 (as per miltary headstone) Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

John RuruMAOATE60687 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) John Ruru Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) MAOATE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60687 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 1897 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 16/12/1924 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19240572 Headstone/Grave Location Turangi, Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Maoate (father), Ngatangiia, Rarotonga, Rabara (mother), Samoa Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10895845 Additional Information Enlisted 12 March 1918. Disembarked at Suez 4 August 1918 and transferred to the Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Embarked on SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Died in Rarotonga 16 December 1924 of tuberculosis. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MarataiUA19343 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Maratai Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) UA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19343 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Ua MARATAI Date of Birth 1892 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 30/11/1942 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19420158 Headstone/Grave Location Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Maratai (father), Taura (mother) Ani Ngapoe (wife), Akepare (niece) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21357802 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 1 July 1916. Disembarked ex. Malwa at Suez 27 December 1916 and posted to the Rarotongan Company 7 April 1917 and attached to the 10th Heavy Battery Royal Artillery from 5 October 1917 to 9 November 1917. Admitted to various hospitals with illness and Malaria at Jaffa, Kantara, Abbassia and Moascar from 21 February 1918 to 16 August 1918. Discharged to Duty 31 August 1918. Transferred to Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Embarked for New Zealand per SS Malta from Suez 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

JamesSILVA16/1541 4th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) James Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) SILVA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1541 4th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company Also known as James Victorino SILVA Date of Birth Unknown Place of Birth New Zealand Date of Death 12/6/1963 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1963/38581 Headstone/Grave Location Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium, Glen Eden, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Mrs Silva (wife), Nuku'alofa, Tonga Ethel Elizabeth Silva (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21126935 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp 8 April 1916. Joined New Zealand Pioneer Battalion 30 October 1916 in France and WIA (Wonded in Action) with a GSW (Gun Shot Wound) to the leg 7 June 1917. Treated in hospitals in France and 2nd NZ General Hospital, United Kingdom. On return to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion he was transferred to the Rarotongan Company 24 April 1918 and posted to 3rd New Zealand Depot Unit of Supply, Marseille, 29 April 1918 to await shipment to Egypt. Embarked for Egypt 5 June 1918 and posted to the Rarotongan Company 15 July 1918. Embarked for New Zealand on SS Malta 14 December 1918. Discharged 7 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Image source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/253637480/james-victorino-silva Further Links Previous Next

TiakanaPOTAI60641 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Tiakana Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) POTAI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60641 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tiakana Ngati KAO (as per headstone) Date of Birth 23/01/1899 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 04/09/1950 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1950/28083 Headstone/Grave Location Hillsborough Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Kao Potai (father), Rarotonga. Rangi (mother), Rarotonga, Leonie (wife, as per headstone inscription) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE12497582 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 12 March 1918. Disembarked at Suez 4 August 1918 and posted to the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde. Training Regiment and Base Depot. Embarked for New Zealand 14 December 1918. Discharged 20 March 1919 in Wellington, New Zealand. On the SS Malta roll list his first and last names are reversed as they are in some NZEF documentation. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MauturiMETUAMATE60666 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Mauturi Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) METUAMATE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60666 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Mouturi METUAMATE Date of Birth 23 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 15/08/1953 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19530054 Headstone/Grave Location Cemetery next to the Latter-day Saints Church, Avarua/Avatiu, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Ngere Metuamate (wife), Rarotonga, Metuamate (father), Mangaia, Rongomate (mother), Mangaia Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10898501 Additional Information Enlisted 12 March 1918 at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand. Embarked from New Zealand 13 June 1918 and disembarked at Suez 4 August 1918. Admitted to the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital from 30 November 1918 to 12 December 1918. Embarked on SS Malta from Egypt 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Metuamate brothers portrait image credit: Anthony Metuamate Seated Kue Metua-Mate 19249 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Standing Mauturi Metuamate 60666 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Further Links N/A Previous Next

Frank WilliamTARARO16/1228 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Frank William Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TARARO Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1228 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 25/02/1892 Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 05/08/1973 Place of Death Mauke, Cook Islands Death Registration Number MAUK19730007 Headstone/Grave Location Rangituarua, Kimiangatau, Mauke, Cook Islands Next of Kin Noovao (father), Mauke, Cook Islands, Raetea Ngakoe (mother), Teaurava (1st wife), Lina Amupoe (2nd wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE24693340 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 21 October 1915. Disembarked at Suez 15 March 1916 ex. SS. Navarua. Embarked for France at Port Said 9 April 1916. Sent to hospital 23 October 1916, New Zealand Field Ambulance and admitted to Clearing Station 29 October 1916. Developed a painful swelling (upper left arm) and was admitted to Number 14 General Hospital, Boulogne 3 November 1916 and then transferred to England aboard HS Dennis 8 November 1916 and admitted to 2nd NZ General Hospital, Walton-on-Thames. Diagnosed with sarcoma of humerus and his arm was amputated at the shoulder on 14 November 1916. Embarked on 4 June 1917 on the NZ Hospital Ship Marama and on return to New Zealand was admitted to the Devonport Convalescent Home, Auckland. He was discharged 5 October 1917 on account of his medical condition. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

ManuMARAMA60716 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Temporary Corporal First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Manu Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) MARAMA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60716 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 29/11/1893 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 03/05/1956 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19560020 Headstone/Grave Location Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Repo Marama (mother), Tukuvaine, Rarotonga Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19484013 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 12 March 1918. Disembarked at Suez 3 August 1918 and posted to the Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Embarked for New Zealand per SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919 Date of death: 03/05/1956 (as per Cook Islands death register) 04/05/1956 (as per military headstone) Appointed Temporary Corporal October 1918 and At Sea December 1918 Headstone voluntarily relettered with family permission by our team May 2025. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

Discover the history behind Cook Islands WWI badges. Badges (WWI) The following has been reproduced with the kind permission of Mr Howard Weddell, author of the book Soldiers from the Pacific . Published 2015. ISBN 978-0-473-33830-5. Appendix C Page 241. The New Zealand Native Contingent and the Pacific Islands reinforcements wore a cap badge that was designed by the Māori Contingent Committee. This design was advised to and approved by the Chief of General Staff on 26 October 1914. It was manufactured by George T White, a Jeweller in Wellington. A total of 750 were received into stock on 11 December 1914, however when received they were deemed to be too be flimsy and the specification was changed to a thicker metal. A further 600 were made of this design at a cost of 3s each which were to be sold to soldiers. These were shipped by the Warrimoo to the NZ Native Contingent which was by this time on garrison duty on the island of Malta. However, the Contingent Commanding Officer did not think they were worth 3s and they were not supplied to the troops. Evidently the badges were returned to Egypt then forward to Gallipoli but were lost. Much paperwork ensued over the lost badges and the £95 cost to the public account. When the NZ Pioneer Battalion was formed in February 1916 a new design of badge was required to reflect the new role of the battalion. On 8 July 1916 an order was placed with J R Gaunt & Son in London for 1200 cap and 1000 sets of the smaller collar badges. It was this style badge that the Pacific Island contingents wore. In September 1917 the New Zealand Māori (Pioneer) Battalion was formed, although the Pacific Islanders and soldiers formerly with the Otago Mounted Rifles did not depart until January 1918, and the new hat badge was instituted based on the original NZ Native Contingent style. In this new design the ‘NZNC’ encryption was altered to ‘NZ’. The Assistant Adjutant General of the NZEF stated “The omission of the letter NC alluded to has become necessary owing to the fact that the Māoris are no longer the only Native Contingent in the NZEF, there being another of Rarotongans in Egypt”. In May 1917 Captain Bush requested that 114 sets of the NZ Pioneer Battalion badges be forwarded to him for the Rarotongan Company and that he also be sent a quantity of infantry puggarees for the ‘lemon squeezer’ hats. A hat badge known as the New Zealand Cook Islands Company was manufactured based on the design of the NZ Pioneer Battalion with modification to the scroll incorporating the phrase ‘Cook Is Coy’, image below. The history of the badge is obscure as whilst the original badges appear to be produced by J R Gaunt or similar quality manufacturers, there is a lack of photographic evidence of them being worn during World War One. It has been postulated that these badges were received by the New Zealand Defence Force after the war’s end.

TNUI5th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) T Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) NUI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 5th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth Unknown Place of Birth Unknown Date of Death Unknown Place of Death Unknown Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Unknown Next of Kin Unknown Link to Online Service Record Additional Information No online war service record Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next