Cook Islands cemetery vandalism shocks veterans’ families

In Rarotonga, Cook Islands, someone vandalised the Nikao Cemetery, damaging headstones and a photograph of a soldier.

Cate Walker, an Australian researcher who has worked for ten years to restore the cemetery, received photographs from the Cook Islands Investment Corporation showing the damage, including to her mother’s grave. Walker said cemetery vandalism had never occurred in the Cook Islands before, and the destruction of a soldier’s photograph was particularly upsetting.

Nikao Cemetery holds the remains of approximately 200 Cook Islands soldiers who served in World War I, as well as expats and other residents. Walker began the restoration project after noticing headstones were eroding and has since researched the Cook Islands’ military history. The cemetery’s improved condition had encouraged families to visit and remember loved ones, and Walker and her husband recently received honorary permanent residence in the Cook Islands for their work.

Walker believes multiple people were involved in the vandalism and hopes the Cook Islands Police will investigate and prosecute those responsible. She expressed doubt the perpetrators were raised in the Cook Islands and called for them to receive help and apologise to the community. Despite the incident, Walker reported a positive response from the local community, who are planning a weekend working bee to repair the damage and prevent future vandalism.