Dear Editor, Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the completion and opening of the Atiu Harbour by Sir Albert and Lady Henry in July 1975.

The harbour, quay and slipway were funded by the NZ Foreign Affairs Department and the construction was carried out by the Sappers of I Field Squadron, Royal New Zealand Engineers. An undertaking of this magnitude would be most unlikely by the NZ Army of today.

It was a very big undertaking, from the planning stage through to completion, plus additional work carried out in 1977. It involved many parties starting with the NZ Army Engineers, (the Sappers) plus other Corps of the Army, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the NZ High Commission, Silk and Boyd shipping, and not in the least the Atiuan people who gave great assistance to the Sappers throughout entire construction. There were three detachments sent from New Zealand, two in 1974 and a third detachment which arrived in January 1975, each of about 40 men, plus the small team of six in 1977. The work was very arduous and at times considered dangerous and subject to the vagaries of the weather, tides, high seas and cyclones, long periods of monsoon like rain and importantly shipping which was very much subject to the above challenges.

Once completed in July of 1975, Sir Albert and Lady Elizabeth arrived on the MV Manuvai, accompanied by Cook Island Government officials, the NZ High Commissioner, and senior NZ Army officers for the opening of the harbour. This was carried out amidst great excitement on the island, it was a huge occasion for the Atiuan people, the opening was followed by dancing performances, drums, singing and of course a splendid and very big umukai.

Last May and June, I had occasion to be in Rarotonga, and having served in the third detachment, and returning to Atiu again to work on the harbour in 1977 it occurred to me to find out if this anniversary was to be marked in any way. To this end I contacted the Atiu Island Council about it and was informed that it was a matter they were keen to see, and it was to be discussed at Cabinet level. I was very pleased to receive such a positive response.

As a matter of courtesy, I wrote to Her Excellency, Ms. Tui Dewes, the New Zealand High Commissioner, explaining the background to the Atiu Harbour Project, and details of how it was carried out along with details of all those involved. I explained to her that I felt this could be useful to her in the very likelihood that the matter was raised with the High Commission, so that she would not be in the dark. And hopefully endorse her support for the marking of this occasion.

Unfortunately, to date, I have failed to get any response from her let alone an acknowledgement. This is regrettable considering the large role that the High Commissioners of that time, Mr. Terry O’Brian and his predecessor along with their staff played in the project.

My hope along with the surviving soldiers who served on Atiu is that this anniversary, no matter how small, will be take place with the endorsement of our NZ High Commission.

Meitaki maata,

Gerry Mitten

Captain (Rtd.)

Royal New Zealand Engineers.,