The Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand was delighted to attend the handover of renowned author Tom Neale’s journals to the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand in Wellington over a week ago.

Tom Neale, is the author of the book “An Island to Oneself” which tells of his experiences living alone on the Island of Suwarrow in the Cook Islands during the years 1953 to 1960.

According to the Cook Islands High Commission, the journal comprises of his handwritten notes while on the island which were presented to the library by his son Arthur Neale and members of his family in New Zealand.

During the ceremony, Arthur shared the story of his father, a young man who embraced the pioneering Kiwi spirit, his quiet and introverted nature and his marriage to Sara Haua from Palmerston Island.

Recently retired from his role as executive officer on Palmerston Island – where he and his sister Stella were raised by their mother and a close-knit community of relatives – Arthur spoke of his belief that his father may have kept additional journals documenting his time on Suwarrow.

These journals could potentially have been given to yachties or other travellers who visited the island during his stay, he said.

According to the Cook Islands High Commission, the handover event also provided an opportunity to explore additional materials related to the Cook Islands and its people, including old newspaper articles, photos and artwork created by Tereora College students in the 1960s and 70s, which the library is currently curating.

Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Kairangi Samuela, remarked, “reflecting on stories and pictures from the past is always valuable, particularly from the Pa Enua such as Suwarrow”.

“This year, as we celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Cook Islands’ self-governance, it becomes even more meaningful, offering a chance to explore a range of stories and experiences from different perspectives.”