I was born and raised in New Zealand - a "kiwi girl". At the young age of 15 I fell in love with Hugh, a handsome Pacific Island boy. We married in 1961, a time when mixed race marriages were far from the norm.

When the Cook Islands’ gained independence in 1965, my father in law, the late Sir Albert Henry, became the first Prime Minister. Four years later Hugh and I moved to Rarotonga, the capital island of the Cook Islands.

I quickly involved myself in raising our five children as "island kids", as well as in local community and business activities. My life has been, and continues to be, full of adventures, challenges and passionate love.

Although my friends thought I would last no more than five years, I have now lived in Rarotonga for over sixty years.