Family proud of unsung hero

The family of Cook Islands coastwatcher Ioaba Tearaia Marsters gathered to unveil a memorial plaque in his honour, recognising his vital role in providing early warning during World War II.

During World War II, Pacific coastwatchers played a vital role in providing early warning of foreign movements and naval activity, allowing Allied forces to respond quickly.

The Coast Watch system was established in 1941 as one of New Zealand’s first lines of defence during World War II.

Two weeks ago on Saturday 27 July, family members of Cook Islands Coastwatcher, the late Ioaba Tearaia Marsters, gathered at the Nikau Veterans Association (RSA) for the unveiling of a plaque in his memory.

Masters was born on March 6, 1922, and died on February 12, 2009 at Tupapa Maralunga, and was returned to his beloved Palmerston Island for burial.

In recognition of his coast watch services, a memorial plaque for Ioaba Marsters was unveiled at a ceremony attended by his family, including his son Tim Marsters, who flew in from New Zealand with his daughters Kaylani Marsters and Tareza Marsters for the special event.

“I’m glad it’s been so long,” a relieved and excited Tim said.

“I remember my father, who was a radio operator, protecting and defending our kingdom.”

Liz Inamata, one of Ioagba’s granddaughters, was also very proud and emotional on the day and she tried to hold back her tears throughout the ceremony.

“He, like the others, is a very fine man who is revered as the eyes and ears of our Pacific island nation,” Inamata said.

“This day will be remembered for generations to come and we thank Willie Cathers for making our coastwatchers known to the world.”

Tutu Inamata, Ioagba’s great-grandson, said proud is not enough to express how proud he is.

“A huge thank you to Gail and Pira Wichman at RSA for making everything so easy and showing such kindness.”

Ioba Masters was born on Palmerston Island and was a young man of great skill.

In 1938, at the age of 16, he began working as an apprentice radio operator on the island of Rarotonga.

A newspaper article published in 1938 titled “Polynesians as Radio Engineers” reported: “The director of Radio Rarotonga reports that Ioaba Marsters, a 16-year-old native in training as a radio operator, has put together a four-valve receiving set from various spare parts. It is a compact, sturdy receiver that has performed very efficiently in tests on high frequency, broadcast band and 500 kHz.”

“The standard of workmanship was quite high, and perhaps a greater advantage was that the design and layout were all his own ideas; while the circuits he chose had to be modified to suit the materials available.

“This appears to be the first time a Cook Islands native has successfully built a radio receiver of this calibre.”

A few years later, in late 1941, during World War II (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945), New Zealand controlled coast watch stations including 11 in the Cook Islands, later increased to 14.

Ioaba was one of many young men who sacrificed their lives to defend the Allied forces.

He returned to Palmerston Island around 1943, where he met his bride, Tungane Richard. They had 10 children, Elizabeth, Annie, Hinekore, Tearia (Tim Marsters), Brell, Vaseti, Roy, Tihau, Tata and Sonny.

Tim was born on 1 November 1948 and he reflects on his childhood and family life in Rarotonga.

During this time, John James replaced his father, Ioaba, as the radio operator.

Later, the government created a new department called Fisheries and appointed Ron Powell and Ioaba Marsters.

According to Tim, in 1965, the fisheries sector needed a suitable vessel and the Ravakai was born.

“That same year, I had the privilege of working alongside my father on the construction of Ravakai. In 1967, my father asked me to come to New Zealand to continue my boatbuilding career,” Tim said.

After five years overseas, Tim returned to Rarotonga, no longer as a boat builder but as a fitter-welder with an interest in engineering.

“Dad was captain of the Bluewater and needed an engineer. During that time, we refitted the Bluewater and shipped it to Tahiti,” he said.

Ioba Masters retired in the 1980s and returned to Hamilton, New Zealand. His wife died in 1997 and was returned to Palmerston Island for burial.

Ioba returned to Tupapa Maralunga, where he spent his final years and died in 2009.

His sons Tim and Sonny, with the help of the Queen’s representative at the time, Sir Tom Marsters, took Ioabba back to Palmerston for burial.

The commemoration in Ioabba was also attended by Royal South African Society president Pira Wichman, Gail Eraio and New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Tui Dewes.

Wakeman said if families of veterans wish to have their memorial plaques placed at the Royal South African Society, they are welcome to do so.

DeWeese said the almost forgotten story of the Cook Islands coastwatchers really resonated with people.

Already during her term, in March 2021, New Zealand unveiled the Pacific Monument at Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington to pay tribute to the Pacific Ocean.

“The Cook Islands’ contribution is recognized for good reason. Your stories of participation in our shared allied operations are filled with incredible service and sacrifice,” DeVos said.

“This also applies, of course, to Ioaba Tearaia Marsters. He helps us act as our eyes and ears in the Pacific, keeping watch on ships and aircraft, and monitoring and reporting on radio activity.

“Thank you for inviting me to this unveiling and for helping me fulfil my personal commitment to ensure that Cook Islands Coastwatchers are properly recognised.”

Last month, New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kirrow formally recognised and honoured the service of Cook Islands Coastwatchers at a ceremony at Government House on 1 July.