Makituke Aberahama, who has been appointed a new Honorary Constable of Mauke, will focus on improving the lives of youth on the island.

Nearly 30 years after economic collapse in the Cook Islands caused Makituke Aberahama to leave for Australia, the former Mauke College student has rejoined the island’s community of about 250 people as its Honorary Constable.

“I decided it was time to return home,” Aberahama said.

“I felt I’d been away too long. It was time to come back and see what I can do for the island.”

His main goal in the role is to provide youth “more opportunities to occupy their time”.

“I’ve always worked with the youth, so I’m keen to help with organising activities to improve their life on the island.”

Aberahama had considered joining the Cook Islands Police Service before he left the island in 1994, but “the economy back then wasn’t good” so he decided to emigrate to Perth with his family and work in construction across Western Australia.

“I worked hard because I wanted to move up. I’m like that, I always want to improve.”

The former construction boss moved back to the Cook Islands about nine months ago, joining the island nation’s police force at last.

“Plus, I wanted to help my Dad at home. The decision was easy,” he said.

The previous Constable assigned to Mauke resigned in December, Aberahama being “one of several applicants” for the position after seeing the vacancy posted on the notice board.

As part of his induction to Outer Islands Police, Aberahama was attached to Rarotonga Frontline Police last week and to the Prevention Division this week.

Aberahama will be accompanied by his wife and their 18-year-old daughter on his assignment to Mauke, a Southern Group island located about 150 nautical miles north-east of Rarotonga and with a population density of 14 people per square kilometre.

“Me and my daughter relocated first. She’s 18 and was keen to stay, which surprised me – usually, young people want to stay overseas,” Aberahama said.

“Also, my wife is here but will soon return back to Australia to settle things there and then move back here permanently. She has a good job with the Health department in WA, so it’s a big move to make.”

• Joanne Holden