A former Coastwatcher who served in World War II, the late Tai-O-Tonga Henry, who passed away in the 1980s, remains an embodiment of unity for his family in Rarotonga.

Henry was posted as a Coastwatcher on Pukapuka during WWII in 1942 by the New Zealand Defence Force.

His family will host an unveiling of his plaque this Saturday to reminisce on the unity and love he left and highlight the importance of his life as a Coastwatcher.

His daughter-in-law, Raylene Henry whose husband, the late Orometua Kimi Henry, is the son of Tai-O-Toga, emphasised that the plaque is a chance for their family to reunite and celebrate his life and service to the nation.

“The unveiling of Tai-O-Tonga’s plaque has given the opportunity to Papas family to stand together and celebrate him that we couldn’t do when he passed away in 1982. Family from New Zealand, Australia, Aitutaki and Rarotonga are all here and give all glory to God that Papas event instigated a mini reunion,” she said.

“As like his other counterparts on the other islands, they were classified as ‘assistants’ or ‘natives’ and their contribution to the war effort was not recognised with medals, pensions or health care, where NZ Coastwatchers in NZ were for doing exactly the same thing as our Cook Islands men did.”

The Cook Islands and Pacific Coastwatchers, who kept watch for enemy aircraft and ships during the war, were formally acknowledged — more than 80 years after their service – last week.

The late Tai-O-Tonga Henry’s unveiling ceremony tomorrow will include members from the Cook Islands Returned and Services Association, Nikao CICC, Boys Brigade, Nikao MP, and Cook Islands World War commemoration team.

The certificate of recognition and a portrait of him will be gifted to the RSA to display alongside his brother Eric Henry who fought with the 28^th Maori Battalion, for all generations to appreciate.

The unveiling will take place at Pokoinu, Back Road, Harley Street at 1pm. An open invitation has been extended to anyone who knew the late Tai-O-Tonga to join this celebration.