Honouring Niue’s forgotten heroes

An ongoing effort to formally recognise Pacific Islanders involved in coastwatching during World War II has resurfaced.

According to a recent post by PMN Niue, “the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is seeking descendants of seven brave Niue men who served as coastwatchers on Raoul Island (Kermadec Island) during World War II.

“These men worked tirelessly to safeguard and protect during the Second World War, and the Defence Force wishes to honour their service with special recognition,” the post states.

The NZDF confirmed this initiative has been ongoing since October 2022, following the New Zealand Government’s announcement to formally recognise Pacific Islanders who participated in coastwatching duties during the war.

A forgotten history

During World War II, New Zealand operated over 100 coastwatching stations across the mainland, the Chatham Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, and the Pacific.

In 1941, New Zealand established 58 coastwatching stations across the South Pacific, including 11 in the Cook Islands, three in Tokelau, and five in Western Sāmoa.

In August 1943, seven brave Niuean men were sent to Raoul Island (Kermadec Island) to monitor the Pacific coast during a critical period in the conflict.

Niuean men with large kingfish, Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands. Photo/Alexander Turnbull.

Very little information is available about this group, but PMN Niue has identified their names and ages:

• Molisoni Pimeleko Iafeta (26 years old)

• Vuhaloe Kaufisi (19 years old)

• Pouniu Fisihega Pafalani (18 years old)

• Matatupu Kofe Hasini (18 years old)

• Sione Tamati (21 years old)

• Mose Lagatuki (18 years old)

• Ikitagaloa Sionepulu (18 years old)

Uli Anderson, NZDF’s Principal Advisor Media, said a relative of a Cook Island coastwatcher, Bobby Nicholas, identified the names of seven Niuean men through ship passenger logs.

It also found that these men spent a year on the island.

Anderson said that the exact roles of the Niuean men on Raoul Island remain unclear.

Unlike their counterparts in the Cook Islands, who were trained as radio operators and held primary responsibilities at coastwatch stations, the specific duties of the Niuean men are largely unknown.

“The soldiers were responsible for lookout duties and serving as radio operators … they were part of the workforce alongside New Zealand soldiers,” Anderson said.

Despite the limited information available, it is known that NZ operated four coastwatch stations on Niue at Tipa Point, Talava, Halavai, and Alofi.

A call for recognition

Since 2022, the NZDF has been working to identify these coastwatchers and provide their families with recognition for their service.

“To date, more than 30 families have received plaques and certificates of service,” Anderson said.

The NZDF and PMN Niue encourage the descendants of the seven Niue warriors to come forward and receive special recognition for their contributions during World War II.

Soldiers by crane mounted on a railway bogie, Raoul Island, Kermadec Islands. Photo/Alexander Turnbull.

Families of the identified men are encouraged to contact the NZDF at historyenquiries@nzdf.mil.nz to begin organising recognition.

The families can also email PMN Niue host lynn.pavihi@pmn.co.nz to help ensure this remarkable contribution is remembered and acknowledged.