Oldest island, first passports

The island of Mangaia has been around for 18 million years – estimated by geologists to be the oldest in the Pacific – and now they’ve claimed another first: passports online. A smoke signaller from Auau Enua writes: “Mangaians are already getting their passports online – there are four people in Mangaia who have already received theirs. The first passport renewed online was issued on November 20. Eddie Drollett is very correct about the convenience though [see Tuesday’s p6 article ‘Online renewal within 5 days’]. It’s a lot faster. For outer islanders, gone is the hassle of getting the application form and the money to the High Commission in Rarotonga and then finding someone to collect your new passport and bring it back. The passports come by courier all the way. And another plus: it’s cheaper! However, it should be acknowledged that it is only for straightforward renewing of adult passports. If you don’t have a credit card, you probably know someone who does!”

The island of Mangaia has been around for 18 million years – estimated by geologists to be the oldest in the Pacific – and now they’ve claimed another first: passports online. A smoke signaller from Auau Enua writes: “Mangaians are already getting their passports online – there are four people in Mangaia who have already received theirs. The first passport renewed online was issued on November 20. Eddie Drollett is very correct about the convenience though [see Tuesday’s p6 article ‘Online renewal within 5 days’]. It’s a lot faster. For outer islanders, gone is the hassle of getting the application form and the money to the High Commission in Rarotonga and then finding someone to collect your new passport and bring it back. The passports come by courier all the way. And another plus: it’s cheaper! However, it should be acknowledged that it is only for straightforward renewing of adult passports. If you don’t have a credit card, you probably know someone who does!”