RangiTIAURE84532 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Rangi Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TIAURE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84532 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 25 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 13/01/1920 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19200257 Headstone/Grave Location Matavera, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Taunga Pee (father) born Rarotonga, Ngamata (mother) born Samoa Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE13523594 Additional Information Attested 12 June 1918 in Rarotonga. Arrived in Wellington 21 June 1918 and enlisted at Narrow Neck Camp 10 July 1918. Discharged 7 December 1918 and embarked on SS Paloona for Rarotonga and arrived in Rarotonga 15 December 1918. Commonwealth War Grave (announced October 2019): https://i.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/116716348/forgotten-wwi-war-dead-honoured-100-years-on “On Friday, on the basis of research done by Cate Walker, Howard Weddell, Paula Paniani and Bobby Nicholas, the names of six Cook Islands soldiers were added to the New Zealand and Commonwealth War Graves Commission's official rolls of honour.” https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/75463733/rangi-tiaure/ We GPS’d and documented this grave and headstone in 2019, however when we returned in November 2022 it was apparent that the headstone had been irreparably damaged due to the use of either sandpaper or a power grinder. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

PakuKEA84542 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Lance Corporal First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Paku Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) KEA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84542 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Ngapaku KEA Date of Birth 22 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Atiu, Cook Islands Date of Death 17/01/1939 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19390499 Headstone/Grave Location Unknown Next of Kin Marenga P. Kea (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10446493 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 10 July 1918. Promoted to Lance Corporal 16 July 1918. Discharged 7 December 1918. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

Only one name recorded on enlistmentPIRANGI19296 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Only one name recorded on enlistment Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) PIRANGI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19296 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 08/09/1893 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 4/10/1916 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1916 Headstone/Grave Location Devonport (O’Neill’s Point) Cemetery, Bayswater, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin John Pirangi (father), Rarotonga, Cook Islands Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19527331 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 1 July 1916 and arrived at Narrow Neck Camp 9 July 1916. Declared medically unfit before proceeding on service. DOD (Died on Duty) 4 October 1916 at Auckland Hospital, New Zealand and was buried at O’Neill’s Point Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand. The date on his official military headstone states that he died 14 October 1916 which our research leads us to believe is incorrect. Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemoration: https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/642934/pirangi/ Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Commemorative certificate courtesy of Commonwealth War Graves Commission https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/642934/pirangi/ Further Links N/A Previous Next

Only one name recorded on enlistmentAKI19232 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Only one name recorded on enlistment Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) AKI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19232 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Aki ETEKE Aki TEAVA Eteke Teava AKI Date of Birth 1887 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 15/04/1964 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19640039 Headstone/Grave Location On the Matavera/Ngatangiia border lagoon side next to a stream, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Ngatokorua (mother), Eteke (father), Atuie Ngatokorua (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE9880973 Additional Information Enlisted 1 July 1916 and disembarked from the SS Malwa at Suez 27 December 1916. Admitted to the 26th Stationary Hospital between 19 January 1917 and 3 February 1917. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 7 April 1917. Admitted to the 66th Casualty Clearing Station with fever 20 August 1917, and then to the 24th Stationary Hospital 23 August 1917 and to the 27th General Hospital, Abbassia 25 August 1917. Transferred to the Aotea Convalescent Home between 1 September 1917 and the 12 September 1917. Pte Aki rejoined the Rarotongan Company 14 September 1917 but was admitted to the 45th Stationary Hospital with sciatica 13 October 1917. Transferred to the 24th Stationary Hospital, Abbassia 22 October 1917 before transferring to Aotea Convalescent Home between 3 November 1917 and 1 December 1917. Admitted to the 71st General Hospital at Helwan on 1 December 1917 to 24 January 1918 before being posted to the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde Training Regiment and Base Depot. Declared unfit for further military service 5 April 1918 with chronic rheumatism and embarked on the SS Port Darwin for New Zealand 11 July 1918. Discharged 2 October 1918. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Portrait image credit: 31-A13315 (Herman Schmidt), ‘Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections’. Colourised image credit: Cook Islands WW1 Soldiers Research Project Further Links N/A Previous Next

TaauTAUNGA60736 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Taau Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TAUNGA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60736 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 26 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 11/06/1957 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19570019 Headstone/Grave Location Titikaveka, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Ngapoko (sister), Taunga (father) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE18589458 Additional Information Enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand 12 March 1918. Disembarked at Suez 4 August 1918 and posted to Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Embarked for New Zealand per SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Date of death: 11/06/1957 (as per Cook Islands death register) 14/06/1957 (as per military headstone) Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A 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

Watch videos documenting our team as we locate Cook Islands’ WWI soldiers. Discover untold stories and experiences of the brave men who served. Cook Islands WWI Soldier Search series and field trip links: Finding our way back ... to Atiu (filmed April 27 to May 1, 2019 Finding our way back ... to Aitutaki (filmed November 6 to 13, 2019 Finding our way back ... to Mauke (filmed November 14 to 18, 2022) Finding our way back ... to Mangaia (filmed April 24 to 28, 2023) Finding our way back ... to Atiu (Series Two) (filmed April 23 to 30, 2025) FILMING CONTINUES: Finding our way back ... to Rarotonga (filmed 2016 to 2025) Click here to view our field trip videos on our YouTube Channel

Only one name recorded on enlistmentTARA84575 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Only one name recorded on enlistment Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TARA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84575 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tara TEAIOITI Teaioiti TARA Date of Birth 28 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 04/11/1954 Place of Death Mangaia, Cook Islands Death Registration Number MANG19540025 Headstone/Grave Location Vaitotara, Tavaenga Rd, Oneroa Village, Mangaia, Cook Islands Next of Kin Teaioiti (father), Rakiki (mother) Rimaonga (wife) is named on the death register Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10418849 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 12 June 1918 and discharged 7 December 1918. Date of death: 04/11/1954 (as per Cook Islands death register) 05/11/1954 (as per military headstone) Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

Find valuable resources and links on the Cook Islands' involvement in both World Wars. Learn more about our nation's military past. Chief of Defence Force announces Cook Islands inclusions to First World War rolls of honour Pacific Islanders in the NZEF Rarotonga – Pasifika involvement in the First World War Manava Toa: the Cook Islands in WWI Cook Islanders at War: From Rarotonga to Belgium 1917 Unknown Anzacs - Cook Islanders at war Recognition for World War 2 Cook Islands coastwatchers Pacific Islands Coastwatchers recognised World War 2 Pacific Island coastwatchers recognised after grandson's search for answers The War Years in Aitutaki. A coverage of events during World War II The Status and Service of Civilians In New Zealand’s Coastwatching Organisation during the Second World War First Cook Islands coastwatcher plaque unveiled in New Zealand New Zealand WWII Coastwatchers Coastwatchers - Operation Pacific

KauKAUTAI5th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Kau Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) KAUTAI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 5th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Kautangi KAUTAI Date of Birth 18 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Unknown Date of Death 07/01/1922 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19220355 Headstone/Grave Location Unknown Next of Kin Kautau (father), Ngapoko (mother), Uaongo (wife) Link to Online Service Record Additional Information The 5th Rarotongan Contingent disembarked in Wellington 6 November 1918 and were discharged 13 November at Trentham Military Training Camp due to the signing of the Armistice on November 11 1918 that ended World War One. 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

Francis ErnestTIMOTHY20890 10th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Francis Ernest Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TIMOTHY Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 20890 10th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company Also known as Date of Birth 25/04/1889 Place of Birth Norfolk Island Date of Death 9/06/1921 Place of Death Hamilton, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1921/10739 Headstone/Grave Location Ngāruawāhia Cemetery, Ngāruawāhia, Waikato, New Zealand Unmarked grave Next of Kin Mrs Evelyn Lethart (aunt), Graham Street, Green Lane, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand John Timothy (father) Maria Angelina Laura Evans (mother) Louisa Timothy (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE14536041 Additional Information Employed in New Zealand prior to enlistment on 1 August 1916 at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand. Embarked on HMNZT No.69 Tahiti at Wellington 15 November 1916 and disembarked at Devonport, United Kingdom 29 January 1917. Joined New Zealand Pioneer Battalion in France 25 May 1917 and was transferred to the Rarotongan Company 14 January 1918. He embarked at Marseille 21 January 1918 to disembark at Alexandra 4 February 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 5 March 1918. Returned with Rarotongan Company on SS Malta. On his return to New Zealand difficulty was found in obtaining a passage to Norfolk Island due to Sydney port being closed as a result of the influenza epidemic. As a result he was not discharged but on 26 March 1919 was sent to Trentham Camp for employment until passage was found. On 28 April 1919 he applied for discharge in New Zealand and this was approved 9 May 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Further Links https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/169289439/francis-ernest-timothy Listed on the British and European Nobility Register: https://peerage.org.uk/codex/peerage-record-15574/#i155734 Previous Next

Johnston HammondHALL6/1033 Canterbury Infantry Regiment 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Second Lieutenant First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Johnston Hammond Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) HALL Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 6/1033 Canterbury Infantry Regiment 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 28/12/1882 Place of Birth Greymouth, West Coast, New Zealand Date of Death 03/12/1944 Place of Death New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1944/27691 Name recorded on death register: Johnstone Hammond HALL Headstone/Grave Location Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium Glen Eden, Auckland, New Zealand. Service Persons Area G, Row 7, Plot 67 Next of Kin Miss Jeanie Hall, 9 Alexander Street, Greymouth, New Zealand Ida Muriel Hall (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE24364083 Additional Information Enlisted 26 August 1914. Embarked for Gallipoli from Alexandra 12 April 1915 and WIA (Wounded in Action) 5 August 1915 in the foot. Rejoined his unit at Gallipoli 15 September 1915. Promoted to Sergeant 4 August 1916, Warrant Officer Class II 27 August 1916 and 2nd Lieutenant 31 July 1917. Returned to New Zealand 24 October 1917 and posted to Trentham Military Camp. On 4 March 1818 he was at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp and on 4 October 1918 he was nominated for active service to proceed overseas with the 4th Rarotongan Contingent. Due to the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI, the 4th Rarotongan Contingent embarked from New Zealand for Rarotonga on SS Paloona and arrived in Rarotonga 15 December 1918. He was the Officer in Charge for the 4th Rarotongan Contingent on their return to Rarotonga. Discharged 04/04/1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Headstone image source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/248355872/johnstone-hammond-hall Further Links https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE24362473 Previous Next

T. J.VATI5th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) T. J. Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) VATI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 5th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Joseph VATI Date of Birth 27/05/1891 Place of Birth Aitutaki, Cook Islands Date of Death 28/07/1969 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1969/30948 Headstone/Grave Location Mangere Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Unknown Link to Online Service Record Additional Information The 5th Rarotongan Contingent disembarked in Wellington 6 November 1918 and were discharged 13 November at Trentham Military Training Camp due to the signing of the Armistice on November 11 1918 that ended World War One. No online service record. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

RaitiaTEPURETU16/1200 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Sergeant First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Raitia Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TEPURETU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1200 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Araitia TEPURETU Tepuretu ARAITIA Mataiapo Date of Birth 1892 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 12/06/1984 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19840031A Headstone/Grave Location Tupapa, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (at the family home on the back road) Next of Kin Metua R Tepureta (Tepuretu) (wife), Avarua, Rarotonga (Matakeu on headstone) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10769052 Additional Information Employed in Rarotonga as Assistant Postmaster. Enlisted in Rarotonga 25 September 1915. Disembarked in Suez 15 March 1916 to embark for France on 9 April 1916. Wounded in Action (WIA) with gun shot wound to leg, thigh and left shoulder 29 September 1916. Admitted to 1st South General Hospital, Birmingham, and then on 17 March 1917 to the New Zealand General Hospital, Hornchurch. Embarked for New Zealand on SS Arawa 10 January 1918. Treated in Wellington Hospital and discharged 13 April 1918. Served as President of the Cook Islands RSA for many years. Awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1967. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

Temata VaipunuANAUPOU60725 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Temata Vaipunu Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) ANAUPOU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60725 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tematavaipunu ANAUPOU Date of Birth 22 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 17/02/1957 Place of Death Mauke, Cook Islands Death Registration Number MAUK19570014A Headstone/Grave Location Taparere, Ngatiarua, Mauke, Cook Islands Next of Kin Tearii Vaine Anaupou (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11185819 Additional Information Enlisted 12 March 1918 at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp Auckland New Zealand. Embarked on SS Manukau at Wellington 13 June 1918 and disembarked at Suez ex SS Port Lyttleton 4 August 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Admitted to hospital 7 October 1918 to 25 October 1918. Embarked for New Zealand on SS Malta 14 December 1918 and discharged 20 March 1919. Date of death: 17/02/1957 (as per Cook Islands death register) 19/02/1957 (as per military headstone) Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

PaitaiMETUA16/1191 New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Paitai Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) METUA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1191 New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Changed name to Charles Metua Pua WILLIAMS Date of Birth 1895 Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 19/04/1984 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1984/47810 Headstone/Grave Location Waikaraka Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Tangata (uncle), Mauke, Cook Islands Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11188368 Additional Information Enlisted 3 September 1915. Disembarked from SS Navua 15 March 1916 at Suez and embarked for France 9 April 1916 before being admitted to the 7th General Hospital between 31 March 1917 and 18 April 1917 with mumps. WIA (Wounded in Action) 7 June 1917 with GSW (Gun Shot Wound) to his back and admitted to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance and 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station 7 June 1917, and to the 14th General Hospital, Wimereux on 8 June 1917 and then to the 1st Convalescent Depot Boulogne 11 June 1917. Rejoined the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion 26 June 1917 and was transferred to the Rarotongan Company 20 January 1918 before embarking for Egypt 21 January 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 7 March 1918. Admitted to the 26th Casualty Clearing Station on 31 August 1918 with a sprained back and evacuated via the 44th Stationary Hospital Abbassia on 3 September and then transferred to Aotea Convalescent Home 16 September 1918. Rejoined the Rarotongan Company 9 October 1918. Admitted to the 163rd Field Ambulance 13 October 1918 with malaria and then to the 47th Stationary Hospital, Gaza and to the 24th Stationary Hospital, Kantara. Posted to the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde Training Regiment and Base Depot 19 October 1918. Embarked on 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

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TTAOATA5th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) T Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TAOATA 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 28/12/1942 (as per military headstone only) Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Nikao Cemetery, Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Unknown Link to Online Service Record Additional Information The 5th Rarotongan Contingent disembarked in Wellington 6 November 1918 and were discharged 13 November at Trentham Military Training Camp due to the signing of the Armistice on November 11 1918 that ended World War One. 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