The CITC in Rarotonga is the closest the Cook Islands get to a superstore and for more than 100 years it’s been a part of daily life. Its story is entwined in the nation’s history thanks to the strength, determination and commitment of its founding father, Robert McKegg from Goodwood, Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, but little has been known about this enigmatic figure until now. Thanks to meticulous research and a treasure trove of family photos, letters and documents, his granddaughter is now sharing the story of the man known affectionately as “Boss”.

In this podcast, Adie (Adriane) Swinburn takes us back to Rarotonga in the 1910s when roads were described as coral with potholes and horses still pulled ploughs and wagons. It’s where Boss’s story began at the age of 23, and he and two other businessmen subsequently established the Cook Islands Trading Company (now Corporation). Adie takes us through the decades, giving an insight into the evolution of the Cook Islands from a missionary outpost to a modern independent country. Along the way she also tells of a whirlwind romance, an array of iconic characters and a spectacularly disastrous fire. Adie is truly fascinating to listen to as she recounts a multitude of unique stories of ups and downs.

And all of this is soon to be shared by way of a book she's written about her grandfather called "Boss McKegg, A Cook Islands Trader" (Copies will be available in Rarotonga in late December/early January, or direct from the author by sending her a Facebook message. Wider availability is expected in the New Year)

ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an expert on this remote islands nation. CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)

MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. An updated 2025 version has just been published. All profits are donated to dementia charities

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands

MAUKE is the most easterly of the Cook Islands and even though it’s just a short flight from the capital island of Rarotonga 277 kms away, it’s very different in landscape and lifestyle. There are few visitors but those who venture there discover probably the warmest and most welcoming people anywhere in the Islands.

Our guide is Mauke’s Mayor, Joanne Stephens who tells me how her leadership focusses on service, integrity and love. She talks about the challenges her island faces from wild pigs to depopulation. And we drop in on very special Christmas celebrations and get an insight into a day of singing, dancing, laughter and feasting. Joanne also speaks openly and honestly about being the nation’s first transgender mayor.

Find out more about this island at MAUKE Cook Islands

ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an expert on this remote islands nation. CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)

MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. An updated 2025 version has just been published. All profits are donated to dementia charities

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands

What do the best breadfruit stew, the unveiling of 15 stunning murals and a colourful and noisy parade of dancing, drumming and singing in the streets have in common? They're just some of the events so far in a whole year of celebrations marking 60 years of self-government in the Cook Islands.

In this podcast, we look back at what's been happening and hear from those who've been part of the celebrations which have brought the tiny nation together in an unprecedented way. But this is happening against a background of increasing political tensions about the future, with China and the USA in the wings and raising questions about what the next 60 years might be like. First and foremost though, this podcast is a picture in sound of the first months of the biggest party in Cook Islands history

Acknowledgements: Cook Islands News, Cook Islands Television, Cook Islands Ministry of Cultural Development, Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister

ABOUT ME
I'm a retired BBC radio and TV journalist and presenter who's been having a long distance love affair with the Cook Islands for nearly 40 years and I've featured in media worldwide as an expert on this remote islands nation. CONTACT ME if you'd like to sponsor this podcast or just want to ask questions about the Cook Islands. Email kiaoranawebsiteauthor(at)cookislands.org.uk (Replace “at” with @)

MY BOOK ABOUT THE ISLANDS
Whether you're planning a visit or just armchair travelling, you'll discover stories of buried treasure, ghostly fire, real-life Robinson Crusoes and the mafia, and a wealth of useful information. 'Around the Corner from Nowhere: The Cook Islands Rediscovered' is available as an ebook (https://getbook.at/Cook_Islands-ebook) or paperback (https://getbook.at/cookislandsbook) through Amazon. An updated 2025 version has just been published. All profits are donated to dementia charities

EXPLORE ALL 15 OF THE COOK ISLANDS
My website is the most detailed guide on the net at Cook Islands complete guide. It's also THE ONLY TOTALLY INDEPENDENT GUIDE ON THE INTERNET with information about each and every one of the 15 islands