The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher Ioaba Tearaia Marsters gathered to unveil a commemorative plaque in his honour, recognising his vital role in providing early warning during World War II.

During World War II, Pacific coastwatchers played a vital role in providing early warning of foreign movements and naval activity allowing allied forces to react swiftly.

The coast watching system was set up in 1941 and acted as one of the first lines of defence for New Zealand during WWII.

The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher, the late Ioaba Tearaia Marsters, gathered at the Returned Services and Association (RSA) in Nikao for the unveiling ceremony of his commemorative plaque a fortnight ago on Saturday, July 27.

Marsters was born on March 6, 1922. He passed away in Tupapa Maraerenga on February 12, 2009 and was returned to his beloved island of Palmerston to be buried.

In recognition of his coastwatching services, the Ioaba Marsters plaque was unveiled in a poignant ceremony surrounded by family including his son Tim Marsters, who flew in from Aotearoa New Zealand with his daughters Kaylani Marsters and Tareza Marsters, for the special occasion.

“I’m happy, it’s been so long,” said Tim who was relieved and overwhelmed.

“I remember my father, he was a wireless operator, tiaki e te paruru i to tatou Basileia.”

One of Ioaba’s granddaughters, Liz Inamata, was also proud and overcome on the day, struggling to hold back tears throughout the ceremony.

“He was an incredible amazing man along with others who are being honoured as eyes and ears for our Pacific Island countries,” shared Inamata.

“This day will be remembered by many generations to come and we acknowledge and thank Willie Cuthers for bringing our Coastwatcher to light.”

Ioaba’s great grandson Tutu Inamata said being proud doesn’t even begin to cover it.

“A big thank you to Gail and Pira Wichman of RSA, thank you for making it all so easy and showing such kindness.”

Born on the island of Palmerston, Ioaba Marsters was a skilful young man.

He began his service as a wireless operator apprentice on Rarotonga in 1938 at the age of 16.

A newspaper article titled “Polynesian as Radio Engineer” and published in 1938 reported: “The officer in charge at the Rarotonga Radio Station reports that Ioaba Marsters a 16-years-old native who is being trained as a wireless operator, constructed out of sundry spare parts a four-valve receiving set. A compact, robust receiver, it has performed under tests very efficiently on high frequency, the broadcast band and on 500 kilocycles.”

“The standard of workmanship is quite high and probably of greater merit is the fact that the design and layout were his own ideas; while the circuit, which was of his selection, had to be modified to suit the material available.

“This appears to be the first occasion on which a Cook Islands native has successfully attempted the construction of a radio receiving set of this calibre.”

A few years later during the Second World War (September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945) in late 1941, New Zealand-controlled Coastwatcher’s stations included 11 in the Cook Islands, which later increased to 14.

Ioaba was one of the many young men who gave their services to defend the Allied Forces.

Around 1943, he returned to the island of Palmerston where he met his bride Tungane Richard. They had 10 children – Elizabeth, Annie, Hinekore, Tearia (Tim Marsters), Brell, Vaseti, Roy, Tihau, Tata and Sonny.

Born on November 1, 1948, Tim reflected on his childhood memories and family life in Rarotonga.

During this period, his father Ioaba was replaced by John James as the wireless operator.

Later, the government created a new department called the Fisheries and appointed Ron Powell and Ioaba Marsters.

According to Tim in 1965, Fisheries required a suitable vessel and the “Ravakai” was born.

“In that same year I was fortunate to be a part of the building of the Ravakai where I worked alongside my father. In 1967, Dad requested I go to New Zealand to further my career as a boat builder,” said Tim.

After five years overseas, Tim returned to Rarotonga not a boat builder but a fitter welder with an interest in engineering.

“Dad was then the captain of the Bluewater and was in need of an engineer. And during that time, we refitted the Bluewater and delivered it to Tahiti,” he said.

Ioaba Marsters retired in the 1980s and returned to Hamilton, New Zealand. His wife passed away in 1997 and she was returned to Palmerston Island for burial.

Ioaba returned to Tupapa Maraerenga where he lived out his last days before passing away in 2009.

His sons, Tim and Sonny, assisted by the Queen’s Representative at the time, Sir Tom Marsters, took Ioaba home to Palmerston to be buried.

Pira Wichman, president of the RSA, Gail Eraio and Tui Dewes, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, also attended Ioaba’s plaque commemoration.

Wichman said that if families of those who have served wish to have their plaques placed at the RSA, they are welcome to do so.

Dewes said the story of the Cook Islands coastwatchers who had been all but forgotten, really struck a chord.

Earlier during her term, back in March 2021, New Zealand paid tribute to the Pacific, with the unveiling of a Pacific Memorial at Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington.

“It is with good reason that the Cook Islands is recognised for its contribution. The story of your involvement in our shared Allied efforts is one of incredible service and sacrifice,” Dewes said.

“This of course extends to Ioaba Tearaia Marsters too. He is someone who helped serve as our eyes and ears in the Pacific, by keeping watch for ships and planes, and monitoring and reporting radio activity.

“Thank you for the kind invitation to this unveiling, and for helping me fulfil my personal pledge to ensure that the Cook Islands Coast Watchers are appropriately recognised.”

Last month, New Zealand Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, formally recognised and honoured the services of the Cook Islands Coast Watchers at a ceremony at Government House on July 1.