My Kotuku of the South Seas

About the Book

‘My Kotuku of the South Seas’ depicts a simple life in a much simpler time. Helen’s memoir is rich in her descriptions of friendship, harmony and love. She weaves a simple tapestry of the life of her family as they follow their dreams and aspirations.

About the Author

Helen was born and raised in New Zealand. At the young age of 15 she fell in love with a handsome Pacific Island boy. They married in 1961, a time when mixed race marriages were far from the norm. Helen’s father in law, the late Sir Albert Henry, became the Cook Islands’ first prime minister after the country gained independence in 1965. Four years later Hugh and Helen moved to the Cook Islands where she quickly involved herself in the local community and business activities. It was a life full of challenges, adventure and passionate love. Although her friends thought she would last no more than five years, Helen has now lived in Rarotonga for over forty years. Helen is retired from her tourism business. She is now happily married to John Hay, an environmental scientist. ‘My Kotuku of the South Seas’ is her first published book.