On a beautiful afternoon in the Ruatonga valley, a poignant ceremony unfolded as the ‘Last Post’ echoed through the gathering at the unveiling of a military plaque for a Cook Islands Coastwatcher.

Taikanapa “Tai” Nicholas was one of the locally recruited civilian radio operators who served at home during World War II for the New Zealand Armed Forces’ Navy Office coast watching organisation, which included 11 stations in the Cook Islands.

Nicholas died on June, 27, 1972, at the age of 47. He is buried at the Ngati Uritaua cemetery in Ruatonga. He was the beloved husband of Odile (nee Marama), who passed away a few years ago in Australia, aged 94.

For more than 75 years, Pacific coastwatchers remained largely unknown, hidden in the shadows of history.

The military plaque for Taikanapa “Tai” Nicholas, who served as a civilian radio operator during World War II for the New Zealand Armed Forces, has been unveiled. MELINA ETCHES/25020116

In July last year, the New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro, presented families of 25 Pacific Islands coastwatchers with certificates recognising the service of their relations.

After more than 80 years of Nicholas’ service, and five decades since his passing, Saturday’s ceremony marked a long-overdue recognition and tribute to his memory.

Rosie Blake, the country’s former consulate general to New Zealand, and her sister Mary were raised by Nicholas.

She was emotional to finally see her dad receive public recognition for his service during World War II. The military plaque was unveiled at a private ceremony on Saturday.

“I thank God. I am truly honoured, he is a national treasure,” Blake said.

Nicholas attended Avarua School. He was a talented rugby player and an outstanding sportsman for the Avatiu club.

After the war, Nicholas continued operating the wireless service at Nikao, working in the evenings.

Blake remembers her dad’s crisp starched uniform and how proud he was of his job. She would deliver his meals to work on a bicycle.

“He was a big believer in education and loved planting. Dad was industrial and a big exporter of tomatoes and oranges. We had pa’i taro, a pig farm and chickens,” Blake said.

Their home was always busy, and one of her chores was to help make “homebrew” for the workers.

“I have wonderful memories, we had a good childhood, he was a good dad.”

Nicholas was a godfather to Sam (Gumby) Crocombe, and Tai “Matlock” Nicholas.

Teariki Buckley was one of his favourite nephews who lived next door and would always spend time with “Papa Tai” and the family.

Blake was overwhelmed by the attendance of the Cook Islands Returned Services Association (RSA).

Guests stood to attention as the Last Post was played by Boys Brigader’s Phillip Strickland, followed by the RSA members reciting the Ode of Remembrance, and the sounds of the “Reveille”.

Pira Wichman, the president of the RSA, said it is a pity that it had taken so long.

Wichman acknowledged the other Cook Islands coastwatchers who have been honoured, with more to be recognised.

Cook Islander Tua’ipulotu Willie Cuthers, whose grandfather was a coastwatcher, initiated the effort and worked tirelessly to gain recognition for the coastwatchers. 

Rosie Blake was happy to finally see the military plaque recognising her dad Taikanapa “Tai” Nicholas’ service as a coastwatcher operator during World War II for the New Zealand Armed Forces. MELINA ETCHES/25020117

Blake also acknowledged Cuthers for “fighting for our recognition”, as well as the work of Bobby Nicholas, Paula Paniani and others who have contributed to the legacy of the Pacific coastwatchers.

King’s representative Sir Tom Marsters, Prime Minister Mark Brown, Deputy Prime Minister Albert Nicholas, Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne, Makea Karika George Ariki, family and friends attended the private event.

Emcees for the event were Blake’s daughter Amanda Blake Pauka, and granddaughter Luisa Peters. Guests were invited to share in a beautiful feast to celebrate the occasion as well as Blake’s 81^st birthday.

According to the New Zealand Defence Force report, “The Status and Service of Civilians in New Zealand’s Coastwatching Organisation during the Second World War”, the total number of Cook Islanders employed as coastwatching radio operators or as general assistants was about 60.