MologaAH MU16/1405 4th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Mologa Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) AH MU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1405 4th Maori Reinforcements, New Zealand Pioneer Battalion Rarotongan Company Also known as Moronae Mologa AH MU Maloga AH MU Date of Birth 16/02/1894 Place of Birth Vaitele, Tuamasaga, Upolu, Samoa Date of Death 22/10/1961 Place of Death Vaitele, Tuamasaga, Upolu, Samoa Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Samoa Next of Kin Mrs 'Ai'fai Ah Mu (wife), Apia, Samoa (as per war service record) Jane Genevieve Taylor (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE9881826 Additional Information Enlisted 5 January 1916 at Trentham before training at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp. Disembarked at Suez 23 June 1916 to embark from Alexandra 26 July 1917 for Southampton, United Kingdom 26 July 1916 to arrive 7 August 1916. Left United Kingdom and joined the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion in the field in France on 28 August 1916. He was admitted to 1st Australian Field Ambulance between 9 December 1916 to 17 December 1916 with bronchitis and also the 2nd New Zealand Field Ambulance between 28 December 1916 to 21 January 1917 with bronchitis. On 14 January 1918 he was transferred to the Rarotongan Depot in Egypt and embarked from Marseille 21 January 1918. He arrived at the Rarotongan Company in Palestine 7 March 1918. Embarked on SS Malta 14 December 1918. Discharged 23 March 1919 to return to Samoa on SS Talune. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Portrait image source: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C69341 Portrait of Private Mologa Ah Mu (16/1405) at left, 4th Maori Contingent and Private James Swanney (16/1419) at right, 4th Maori Contingent. Portrait taken in Auckland sometime between attestation on 03 February 1916 and departure on 05 May 1916 for the SS Mokoia / HMNZT 52 in Wellington. Photographer: Percival Kingsford Daws (1872-1939), The Crown Studios, 266 Queen Street, Auckland. Image kindly provided from the Christina Heath collection. Image has no known copyright restrictions. Further Links Previous Next

NoaNENA16/1192 New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Noa Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) NENA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1192 New Zealand Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Teuru Nena NOA (as per headstone) Date of Birth 05/04/1893 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 15/09/1957 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1957/28257 Headstone/Grave Location Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Noa (father), Arorangi, Rarotonga, Meretonga (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11473791 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 28 September 1915. Disembarked from SS Navua at Suez 15 March 1916 and embarked for France as part of the NZ Pioneer Battalion from Port Said 9 April 1916. Admitted to 3rd Field Ambulance 16 October 1916 and then to the 8th Stationary Hospital on 23 October 1916 with bronchitis. Transferred from New Zealand Māori Pioneer Battalion 14 January 1918, embarked from France 21 January 1918, arrived Egypt 4 February 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 15 February 1918. Embarked on SS Malta 14 December 1918 for New Zealand 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

AARIANA3rd Rarotongan Contingent No service number on RSA Roll of Honour board Nikao Rarotonga < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) A Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) ARIANA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 3rd Rarotongan Contingent No service number on RSA Roll of Honour board Nikao Rarotonga Also known as Date of Birth Unknown Place of Birth Atiu, Cook Islands 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

Explore the Cook Islands' rich military history. Search records from WWI and WWII to uncover the stories of our brave soldiers. Lest We Forget their sacrifices and bravery. South African War, 1899-1902 Our research indicates that there are only two South African (Boer War) veterans buried in the Cook Islands. Information about the service of these two men is listed below. The South African War (1899–1902), also known as the Second Boer War, was fought between the British Empire and the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Driven by imperial ambition and the discovery of gold and diamonds, the conflict marked a turning point in southern African history. After early Boer successes using fast-moving commandos, British forces regrouped and captured key towns and capitals. The war then shifted to guerrilla fighting, met by British scorched-earth tactics and the use of civilian concentration camps, where thousands of women, children, and Black Africans died from disease and hardship. The war ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, bringing the Boer territories under British control while laying the groundwork for self-government. Its legacy shaped the political and social foundations of modern South Africa. Rank, Name, Service Number, Regiment: Gunner Sydney HOPKINS, also known as Sidney Hopkins 8521, Royal Horse Artillery British Army Born: 21/7/1881, Reading, Bershire, England, United Kingdom Died: 2/2/1948, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (death registration RARO1948002) Where buried: Cook Islands Christian Church, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Service information: Attested London, 28 April 1900 (implying that he didn't join in South Africa). Served in South Africa, 19/01/1901 to 27/01/1904 (Pom Pom Depôt during the war; "T" & "S" Batteries after the war). QSA with clasps for Transvaal, Orange Free State & Cape Colony. KSA with clasps for South Africa 1901 & 1902. Discharged in South Africa (on payment of £18), 27/01/1904. He had previous service with the Royal Navy and 1st Life Guards. Additional information: ( Source: Cook Islands News, 15 October, 1988, p 4 ). Born in England. Ran away from home at age 16, joined the navy and went to sea. In about 1900 he left ship in South Africa and became a Bombadier fighting for the British in the South African (Boer) War. He later joined the constabulary in South Africa, then in 1909 returned to England for a short time. He then went to New York and spent time travelling in the United States. Subsequently he travelled the Pacific and spent time in Australia, Hawaii, and the Society Islands. In 1914 he decided to settle in Rarotonga where he set up as a professional photographer. His studio was located in Avarua town centre on the site of the present treasury office. He continued to practise as a photographer until his death in 1948. Images: Rank, Name, Service Number, Regiment: Sergeant Rupert Vivian HOSKING 183, Protectorate Regiment Born: 2/5/1878, Masterton, New Zealand Died: 27/10/1962 (as per service plaque and Cook Islands death register RARO19620053) Private headstone records date of death as 29/10/1962 Where buried: Ngati Raina burial ground, Titikaveka, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Memorial plaques also located at RSA, Nikao, Rarotonga, and Ngati Marama Cemetery, Nikao, Rarotonga Biographical & service information: Rupert Vivian Hosking was born on May 2, 1878, in Masterton, a growing settlement in New Zealand's Wairarapa District. He was the third son of Dr. William Henry Hosking (1841–1917), an English immigrant from Redruth, Cornwall, who had qualified as a surgeon in London before emigrating to New Zealand in 1863. William Henry was a trailblazing physician, serving as the sole doctor in Masterton for years, delivering babies, performing surgeries, and introducing innovations like X-ray equipment and radium treatments. He founded the Lansdowne Hospital (later Masterton Hospital) in 1879 and served as its superintendent until 1899. Rupert's mother, Christina Sloane Archer (1850–1890), was a teacher from Scotland; she and William had three sons—Archer Phillip, Frederick, and Rupert—before her death in 1890. William remarried Alice Vallance in 1890, adding half-siblings Douglas and Christina to the family. Growing up amid his father's demanding medical practice, which involved long hours and community service, likely instilled in Rupert a sense of duty and resilience. He attended Wanganui Collegiate School, a prestigious institution, before enrolling at Lincoln Agricultural College to study agriculture. However, his path shifted dramatically with the outbreak of the South African War. War Service: The Boer War and Siege of Mafeking: The Second Boer War (1899–1902) drew many from the British colonies, including New Zealanders eager to support the Empire. Hosking enlisted in the Army, serving as a sergeant (service number 183) in the Protectorate Regiment, part of the Frontier Force. Some accounts also refer to him enlisting with the Cape Mounted Rifles, possibly indicating unit transfers. He was stationed at Mafeking (now Mahikeng, South Africa), a key strategic town besieged by Boer forces from October 13, 1899, to May 17, 1900. Under the command of Colonel Robert Baden-Powell—famous for his resourceful defense and later founding the Boy Scouts—Hosking endured the 217-day siege, which became a symbol of British tenacity. Hosking maintained a personal diary from October 1899 to March 1900, documenting the hardships, including food shortages, shelling, and daily life under siege. The diary, now held in the University of Washington archives, offers a firsthand perspective, though full contents are not publicly digitized. He was slightly wounded during the siege and severely injured in a later engagement before the town's relief. For his service, he received a £5 gratuity from the New Zealand government. Invalided to England for recovery, Hosking's war experience marked a turning point, steering him toward further education rather than immediate return to New Zealand. Dental Training and Professional Career: Post-war, Hosking pivoted to dentistry, studying at Edinburgh University in Scotland—a hub for medical education—followed by advanced training at Philadelphia Dental College (now part of Temple University) in the United States. Exact graduation dates are not specified in sources, but by September 21, 1904, he was certified by New Zealand's Board of Examiners under the Dentists Act and registered to practice. He established a dental practice in Masterton, leveraging his family's reputation—his father and brother Archer were key figures at the local hospital. By around 1911, Hosking accepted a government dental position in the Cook Islands, a New Zealand-administered territory, relocating to Rarotonga. In Rarotonga, he provided essential dental services, appearing in New Zealand Gazettes from 1916 to 1936. Marriage, Family, and Life in Rarotonga: In Rarotonga, Hosking met and married Vaevae Robati (full name Vaevae Te Aruru-O-Te Rangi Ropati Marama Maui Terei), born around 1892 to Robati a Marama and Moinavai Luita Taipaku. Family accounts describe her as his dental nurse. Their marriage on July 10, 1911, in Rarotonga produced at 11 children. Vaevae died on March 13, 1952, in Rarotonga. Hosking died on October 27, 1962, in Titikaveka, aged 84, and was buried in the Ngati Raina family burial ground, Titikaveka, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. 1931, Pacific islands monthly : PIM Pacific Publications, [Sydney viewed 9 July 2024 http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-324690885 "Mr. Rupert Vivian Hosking The death occurred in Rarotonga recently of Mr. Rupert Vivian Hosking, a well known Cook Islands resident for more than 50 years. Mr. Hosking, who was 84, was born at Marsterton, New Zealand. He was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School and then studied medicine at Edinburgh University. After serving with the Imperial Forces in the Boer War and being wounded at the siege of Mafeking, he returned to New Zealand and obtained a Diploma of Agricultural Science at Lincoln College. He then obtained the degree of Doctor of Dentistry at the University of Philadelphia and returned to Masterton to practise. Mr. Hosking went to Rarotonga in 1909 and settled at Titikaveka. He is survived by 11 children, 54 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren." Further links: https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/456-protectorate-regiment A NEW ZEALANDER IN MAFEKING. AUCKLAND STAR, VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 165, 13 JULY 1900, PAGE 5 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19000713.2.40.10 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19000326.2.34 Images: Died 27/10/1962 as per service plaque and Cook Islands death register. Private headstone records date of death as 29/10/1962.

ArianaTUMUANANI60719 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Ariana Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TUMUANANI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60719 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 19 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death Unknown Place of Death Unknown Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Unknown Next of Kin Akarare (brother), Mauke, Cook Islands Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21347839 Additional Information It appears that this soldier was unfit for service and medically discharged in New Zealand Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

PaiTIVINI16/1219 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Pai Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TIVINI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1219 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tivini PAI Date of Birth 10/03/1892 Place of Birth Pukapuka, Cook Islands Date of Death 12/04/1923 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19230446 Headstone/Grave Location Tupapa, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (across the road from the Hartel Shop in Tupapa near the fishing club). Next of Kin Etetera (mother), Avarua, Rarotonga, Pai (father), Matua (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE11154545 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 27 September 1915. Embarked for Egypt 5 February 1916 and disembarked at Suez 15 March 1916. Embarked for France 9 April 1916. Admitted to 7th General Hospital St. Omer 4 June 1916 with measles and transferred to the 14th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne 23 June 1916 before being transported to the United Kingdom on the hospital ship SS Cambria and admitted to the 2nd London General Hospital at Chelsea between 2 July 1916 and 12 August 1916. Admitted to the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital, Hornchurch between 12 August 1916 and 28 August 1916. Transferred to the New Zealand Reserve Group at Sling Camp before returning to France 4 October 1916. Wounded in action 3 June 1917 with a gun shot wound to the left thigh and admitted to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance before being transferred on the same day to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. Moved to the Canadian Stationary Hospital 4 June 1917 and transferred to rest camp 12 June 1917. Transferred to the Rarotongan Company 14 January 1918 and assembled at the 8th Rest Camp, Marseille, in anticipation of movement to Egypt. Admitted sick to the 81st General Hospital Marseille 9 February 1918 and was then sent to the United Kingdom 13 April 1918 by ambulance train and admitted to the 1st New Zealand General Hospital 14 April 1918. Declared medically unfit 21 April 1918 due to tuberculosis and peritonitis. Embarked for New Zealand on the New Zealand Hospital Ship SS Maheno 7 May 1918. Discharged 2 October 1918. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

AkatauinaTU19322 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Akatauina Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19322 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tu AKATAUINA Tu AKETAUINA Tu TEKEITANA Tu TUKEITANA Ukaitaua AKETAUINA Date of Birth 1895 Place of Birth Atiu, Cook Islands Date of Death 26/03/1924 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Behind the Cook Islands Christian Church, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Akatauina (father), Atiu, Cook Islands Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21345296 Additional Information Enlisted 1 July 1916 and was posted to the Rarotongan Company 4 January 1918. Discharged 20 March 1919 after serving with the NZEF for a total of two years and 255 days. Cook Islands Roll of Honour Board records his name as 'T. Aketauina'. Listed on the Atiu cenotaph as 'Akatauina Tu'. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MotuTEKIRI19319 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Motu Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TEKIRI Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19319 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Te Kiri ITI Tekiri ITI Motu TeKiri TeKiri MOTU Date of Birth 1888 Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 10/11/1951 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19510074 Headstone/Grave Location Headstone location: RSA Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Grave location unknown. Next of Kin Tarerea Ararpoti (wife), Rarotonga, Tekiri Motu (father) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE9921559 Additional Information Enlisted 1st July 1916. Disembarked at Suez 27 December 1916 and was posted to the Rarotongan Company 7 April 1917. Admitted to a variety of medical facilities from 14 August 1917 to 4 October 1917 before rejoining the Rarotongan Company at Belah on 20 October 1917. Admitted to 129th Field Ambulance 26 August 1918 with measles and moved to 48th Stationary Hospital Gaza on 15 September 1918, the 44th Stationary Hospital, Kantara on 27 September 1918, and the Military Infection Hospital, Heliopolis 3 October 1918 until 10 October 1918. On 26 October 1918 he was admitted to hospital with influenza before embarking on SS Malta 14 December 1918 where he was admitted to the ship's hospital from 29 December 1918 to 7 January 1919 and discharged 20 March 1918. Cook Islands Roll of Honour Board records his name as 'T. Motu'. Buried in Tutakimoa although exact location is unknown. Headstone found at Tutakimoa behind the perfume factory and is now located at RSA, Nikao, Rarotonga (April 2024) Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

KarikaIAVETA19244 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Karika Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) IAVETA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19244 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Iaveta KARIKA Iaveta Karika TAVAKE Date of Birth 1894 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 11/09/1931 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19310045 Headstone/Grave Location Taputapuatea Burial Ground, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Matiroeroe (mother), Karika Tavake (father), Philoman (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE20446470 Additional Information Enlisted 1 July 1916 in Rarotonga. Disembarked at Suez 24 December 1916. Posted to the NZ Mounted Rifle Brigade Training Regiment and Base Depot before being posted to the Rarotongan Company 7 April 1917. Embarked on SS Malta for New Zealand at 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

KopuTANGA16/1224 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Kopu Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TANGA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 16/1224 New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion, 1st Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Tanga TUANU Date of Birth 1895 Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 10/07/1940 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19400634 Headstone/Grave Location Arorangi, Rarotonga, Cook Islands (family plot behind BT Rentals) Next of Kin Kautai (friend), Uare/Mare (mother), Tuanu (father), Mereana (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10550734 Additional Information Enlisted in Rarotonga 28 September 1915. Disembarked at Suez 15 March 1916 and embarked for France at Port Said 9 April 1916. Served in the New Zealand Māori (Pioneer) Battalion and for some time was in hospitals in the United Kingdom with pneumonia. Transferred to the Rarotongan Company 14 January 1918 and sailed from Marseille 21 January 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 5 March 1918. Returned to New Zealand on SS Malta and was discharged 20 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MoekaINGATU84545 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Moeka Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) INGATU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84545 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Moeka’a INGATU Moekaa INGATU Date of Birth 20 years of age on enlistment 27/01/1899 on headstone Place of Birth Mauke, Cook Islands Date of Death 24/12/1978 Place of Death Mauke, Cook Islands Death Registration Number MAUK19780001 Headstone/Grave Location Cook Islands Christian Church, Oiretumu, Mauke, Cook Islands Next of Kin Ingatu (father), Makitangata (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE19784599 Additional Information Enlisted 10 June 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

TearikiURIKAPU19338 2nd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Teariki Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) URIKAPU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19338 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Teariki Pa PUIA Teariki Puia TURU Date of Birth 1895 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 26/07/1980 Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number RARO19800039 Headstone/Grave Location Opposite Panama Catholic Cemetery, Panama, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Turu (father), Rapea (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10425716 Additional Information Enlisted 1st of July 1916. Disembarked at Suez 27 December 1916 and posted to the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde Training Regiment and Base Depot. Admitted to 26th Stationary Hospital, Ismalia 15 March 1917. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 5 March 1918. Embarked for New Zealand on SS Malta 14 December 1918. Discharged 20 March 1919. Initially listed as died in Atiu 10 June 1930 under the name of Puai Tua, however the SS Malta Roll has the surname as Urikapuia. In February 1933 War Graves Department then advised that 19338 Puai TUA has the same regimental number as Teariki Urikapu. In October 1933 the Resident Commissioner of Atiu advised the correct name should be Puia Tua and he was alive so no further action was to take place. His personal service file stated he died 10 June 1930. Cook Islands Roll of Honour board at RSA Nikao Rarotonga records his service number as 19388 which is incorrect as that service number belongs to a New Zealand Māori soldier. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

PuatuituiVAVIA19346 2nd Rarotongan Contingent  < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Puatuitui Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) VAVIA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 19346 2nd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Vavia PUATUITUI Date of Birth 1892 Place of Birth Atiu, Cook Islands Date of Death 07/08/1944 Place of Death Atiu, Cook Islands Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Teenui, Atiu, Cook Islands Next of Kin Puatuitui (brother), Tehenui, Atiu, Cook Islands Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21361877 Additional Information Enlisted 1 July 1916 in Rarotonga. Disembarked at Suez 27 December 1916 and spent service in the New Zealand Mounted Rifle Bde Training Regiment and Base Depot at Moascar. Discharged 20 March 1919. Cook Islands Roll of Honour board at RSA Nikao Rarotonga records name as 'V Puatuitui'. Listed on the Atiu cenotaph as 'VAVIA PUATUITUI'. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

NgaingataraTOTOAERE84570 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Ngaingatara Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) TOTOAERE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84570 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Totoroaere NGAINGATARA Date of Birth 26 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 18/07/1935 (as per military headstone) Place of Death Rarotonga, Cook Islands Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Matavera, Rarotonga, Cook Islands Next of Kin Totoaere (father), Raeka (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE24372675 Additional Information Atested in Rarotonga 10 June 1918 and enlisted at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp 12 July 1918. Discharged 7 December 1918 due to the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI. Headstone states that he died in Rarotonga on 18 July 1935 which could be an incorrect date as other documents record another date. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

MakiteiaaAERERUA84569 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Private First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Makiteiaa Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) AERERUA Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84569 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 22 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 10/12/1968 Place of Death Mangaia, Cook Islands Death Registration Number MANG19680013 Headstone/Grave Location Oriko, Mangaia, Cook Islands Next of Kin Roi Aererua (wife), Aererua (father), Mokore (mother) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10193113 Additional Information Enlisted 12 June 1918 at Rarotonga and 10 July 1918 at Narrow Neck Military Training Camp, Auckland New Zealand. Discharged 7 December 1918. Date of death on private headstone (08/12/1968) is incorrect. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References N/A Further Links N/A Previous Next

KamateCUTHERS84581 4th Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Lance Corporal First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Kamate Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) CUTHERS Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 84581 4th Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 28 years of age on enlistment Place of Birth Mangaia, Cook Islands Date of Death 10/04/1962 Place of Death Auckland, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1962/22997 Headstone/Grave Location Waikumete Cemetery, Auckland, New Zealand Next of Kin Upokoina (mother), William (father), Tuainekore (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10774515 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

PutuaKAINUKU60800 3rd Rarotongan Contingent < Back Highest Rank Lance Corporal First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Putua Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) KAINUKU Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 60800 3rd Rarotongan Contingent Also known as Date of Birth 07/08/1896 Place of Birth Rarotonga, Cook Islands Date of Death 09/07/1964 Place of Death Tahiti, French Polynesia Death Registration Number Unknown Headstone/Grave Location Uranie Cemetery, Tipaerui, Papeete, Taihiti, French Polynesia Next of Kin Teatuanui Kainuku Vaine (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10008630 Additional Information Employed by Miller and Paterson and living in Auckland at time of enlistment. Enlisted in Auckland 12 March 1918. Disembarked at Suez 4 August 1918. Posted to the Rarotongan Company 18 September 1918. Embarked on SS Malta for New Zealand 14 December 1918. Discharged 7 March 1919 in Auckland. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Sincere thanks to granddaughter Lois Kainuku-Iotia for the images following a visit to the grave in May 2025 Further Links N/A Previous Next

Herbert VincentFAIRLIE11/1082 Wellington Mounted Rifles, New Zealand Mounted Signals Troop Rarotongan Company WWII - served as Captain in New Zealand Home Guard < Back Highest Rank Second Lieutenant First Name/s (as per enlistment record) Herbert Vincent Last Name or Only Name Recorded (as per enlistment record) FAIRLIE Service Number and Regiment/Unit/Corps served with 11/1082 Wellington Mounted Rifles, New Zealand Mounted Signals Troop Rarotongan Company WWII - served as Captain in New Zealand Home Guard Also known as Bert/Bertie FAIRLIE Date of Birth 22/01/1895 Place of Birth Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand Date of Death 16/06/1964 Place of Death Gisborne, New Zealand Death Registration Number NZ1964/29352 Headstone/Grave Location Taruheru Cemetery, Gisborne, New Zealand Next of Kin Herbert Henry Fairlie (father) Bessie “Peti” Pahiwa Fairlie (mother) Mona Margaret (wife) Link to Online Service Record https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE21471122 Additional Information Enlisted 30 November 1914. Served at Gallipoli from 4 October 1915 to 25 December 1915. Transferred to New Zealand Mounted Signal Troop as Communication Sergeant. Awarded a MiD (Mentioned in Despatches) 15 January 1918. Promoted to Second Lieutenant 25 September 1918 and transferred to Rarotongan Company on 9 October 1918. Returned to New Zealand on SS Malta. Discharged 7 March 1919. Images and Documents (click on images to enlarge) Image Credits and References Headstone image source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/197597200/herbert-vincent-fairlie Further Links https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE10050902 https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C42958 Previous Next