"On the Wind of a Dream": Epic adventures of a remarkable sailor
The world marvelled at the expedition of the NASA astronauts to the dark side of the moon, but more than 70 years ago a retired Royal Navy commander undertook a journey that in its time was equally remarkable. Victor Clark , who had been twice decorated for bravery during World War II, spent six years sailing 48,000 miles, 77,200 kms round the world in a tiny ketch. That’s still believed to be the longest ever trip made by such a small craft. Clark was cast in the mould of the great Sir...
19 Oct 2025
"Boss" McKegg, Cook Islands Trader
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 grandda...
2 Oct 2025
MAUKE - a magical paradise through the eyes of the Mayor
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 wi...
18 Aug 2025
Now we are 60: The party so far
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 ha...
26 Jul 2025
DIAMOND CELEBRATION OF A NATION
The Cook Islands is having the biggest celebration in its history. 2025 sees a whole year of events marking 60 years of self-government and this is a special edition of Kukicast as the main events get underway. Pride in identity is reflected in the chosen theme for the year, "I know who I am. I have a homeland" (Kua Kite au i toku turanga, a Avaiki toku"). The Islands have a past to be proud of but face an uncertain future with threats from climate change, fears about deep sea min...
9 Jul 2025
A young family's Cook Islands legacy
This is a very personal story of a young family from London, England who moved to the Cook Islands to work as missionaries at a pivotal point in its history. It’s told in a new book by way of some of the hundreds of letters, photos and documents they sent home to their parents. Their son, Simeon Sturney talks about what that legacy reveals about Islands' life in the late 1950s and early 60s and why he’s sharing it. He also relates an emotional story about how he was born on the island o...
5 May 2025
The biggest birthday party in Cook Islands' history
Emile Kairua from the Ministry of Cultural Development discusses the upcoming 60th anniversary of self-rule in the Cook Islands and the plans to create a large-scale celebration, offering insights into Cook Islander identity in this interview.
24 Apr 2025
PALMERSTON ISLAND - An Englishman's Legacy
Stella Neale discusses life on Palmerston Island, settled by William Marsters in 1863, where descendants maintain ownership through a 1954 law; this is an interview.
12 Mar 2025
Hold the front page!
Editor Rashneel Kumar discusses the daily operations and unique challenges of reporting news across the Cook Islands' vast archipelago in this interview.
3 Mar 2025
Why the Cook Islands should be on every bucket list
Robert Skews discusses the challenges of promoting the Cook Islands as a travel destination to people in the UK, Europe, and the USA in this interview.
28 Feb 2025
AITUTAKI - Jewel in the Cook Islands crown
This episode explores Aitutaki, the Cook Islands' second most visited island, highlighting its stunning lagoon, vibrant sea life, and relaxed pace of life.
22 Nov 2024
16 years alone on a deserted island
Stella Neale discusses her father Tom Neale's sixteen years of solitude on a deserted island in the Cook Islands, offering new insights into his remarkable story and the book he wrote about it; this is an interview.
6 Nov 2024
Fish sandwiches and beer - Ian Rankin's Cook Islands
Author Ian Rankin reminisces about his Cook Islands holiday, highlighting the unspoiled beauty and local culture, while contrasting it with his character Detective Rebus in an interview.
6 Nov 2024
Introducing Kukicast
Host John Roberts introduces the Cook Islands Kukicast podcast, sharing his love for the Polynesian paradise with clips featuring Karla Eggleton, Nick Henry, and Sir Ian Rankin, offering listeners unique insights into the islands; this is an introductory episode.
4 Aug 2023
Sharing the love: Cook Islands Tourism CEO
Cook Islands Tourism CEO Karla Eggelton shares her unique insights into the Cook Islands, including Rarotonga and Aitutaki, revealing what makes this Polynesian paradise so special in this interview.
21 Jul 2023
"Trader Jack" Cooper - a Cook Islands legend
Vanessa Cooper discusses her father "Trader Jack" Cooper's iconic Cook Islands restaurant, his colorful history, and his legacy, in this interview episode.
17 Jul 2023
A Young Adventurer on Penrhyn/Tongareva
Tom Robinson recounts his unexpected landfall on Penrhyn in the Cook Islands during his solo rowing voyage across the Pacific, detailing his cultural explorations in this interview.
Who has been a guest on Cook Islands Kukicast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Emile Kairua
Stella Neale
Rashneel Kumar
Robert Skews
Ian Rankin
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact Cook Islands Kukicast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Cook Islands Kukicast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
