Reference: Tua Korero

Story by Jon Jonassen

According to a Traditional source of Aituaki, Palmerston was originally discoveredby ocean explorer Ti several years before European Aririval. It is uncertian if Ti was an Aituakian Native, but moreso spent a considerable amount of time in Aitutaki while passing through.

Ti came across a small atoll, what was nothing but a few sandbanks sitting just above the high water line. Ti and his followers were the first to establish coconut trees on this atoll, with the hope of it growing and providing susteance to any who pass by.

Ti called this island “Avarau”.

After a period of time Ti and his follwers left Avarau and landed in Niue, it is here where he spoke of the discovery of Avarau. Ti remained in Niue for the rest of his life where he left many descendants.

Sometime after his death, News spread to Aitutaki about Ti and his crew settling in Niue. Word also broke that there was an Island in close proximity he found called “Avarau”.

While no one is sure of who “discovered” Palmerston first, Ti is held in high regard as being the first to establish Coconut trees and life for the atolls. Therefore solidifying his legacy as the first person to discover Palmerston.

A insert from Missionary William Wyatt Gill who was the resident missionary for Mangaia, spoke about some archaeological finds in Takamoa, Rarotonga. Twelve ancient graves were found with no clear explanation of whom they were, as well as 30 – 40 stone adze (Traditional stone Axes). These Stone Adze were found at the root of Multiple Coconut trees within the area.

It is unknown who put them there, but archaeologists see this as a prominent feature in knowing what trees were purposefully planted and what trees were there naturally.

If your uprooting a Coconut tree anytime soon, Check the roots !

A collection of these stone adze are at the Cook Islands Museum on show currently

(My heritage has a future – Jon Jonassen)