From Ranui
On News Year’s Day I flew out to Rarotoka Island for three days of whānau time with my two daughters Amanda and Tania and other family members.
What a wonderful time we had. Two of the old lighthouse keepers homes have been done up, and are very comfortable and warm with the addition of new wood burners. The isolation from the mainland reminded me of the Tītī Islands but with fewer trees. We went for walks around the tracks, and saw plenty of birdlife. Finding time to relax, after the Christmas and New Year’s rush, I read some books that were written by young girls who lived on the Island that told of their daily lives and routines. Lighthouse keepers were a hard breed, and life was sometimes very tough, but they really seemed to enjoy it, as did their families. I love the history. Thank you for the trip out there. Nā Ranui Bull.
From Amanda
On New Year’s Day we flew to Rarotoka on the helicopter which was really cool. We walked the tracks, climbed up big rocks and played down at the beach and in the water, the place is great. Seeing the lighthouse was really cool, especially at night time cause the light was going around. There were three houses, two of them have been done up and were really nice and warm. This island reminds me of the Mutton Bird Islands, especially with having to use a generator. I loved spending time with my whānau over there and meeting new people like Dean and Sally Cole and their grandchildren Mahana and Naera. Thank you Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka for the opportunity. Nā Amanda Bull.
From Tania
I really enjoyed my time on Rarotoka. Just a quick copter ride over to the island, which reminds me of the Mutton Bird Islands. The houses were really cool, and I especially like that they were all made the same. Two houses have been done up, and they look really nice, one is still to be done. The lighthouse is really big when you are standing right there looking at it. In the house Dad read some books and told us about the girls and their life on the island, which was really cool. We went for walks along the tracks, and down to the beach. It was really great to spend time with our whānau over there, in such a great place. I can’t wait to go back some day. Thank you for the trip. Nā Tania Bull.
Amanada, Ranui and Tania Bull Tania Bull ready to fly to Rarotoka.