Helen Henry

The Cook Islands became self-governing in 1965. After the country’s first general election, the late Sir Albert Henry became the first Prime Minister. Soon after, Helen and her late husband Hugh, the second son of Albert Henry, decided to relocate from New Zealand to the Cook Islands, to participate and assist in the development of the small island nation.

Helen and Hugh arrived in August 1969, along with four young sons. They quickly became involved in the local community. Helen was a founding member of a Pre-school Learning Centre, a member of the local primary school committee, President of the Hospital Comforts Committee and Patron of the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation. As the family grew older, her interests also evolved. She became the Secretary of the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce, President (and subsequently Patron) of the Business and Professional Women’s Association, and a member of the international organization, Pan Pacific South East Women’s Association.

For many years Helen and Hugh operated an inbound tourism company, and also organized ongoing Cook Islands’ tours and educational programs for Elderhostel and Pacific Island Travel Groups.

Helen is now retired, except for her role as Director of the family’s Tamanu Beach Resort. It is located on the island of Aitutaki, with its world-famous lagoon. If you visit the Resort you may find Helen somewhere in its tropical gardens, weeding, and pruning.

Early in 2013, Helen published her memoir, My Kotuku of the South Seas: Living and Loving in Rarotonga. A German edition was published in 2017. Helen has nearly completed her second book: Come Travel with Me: In Countries from A to Z.

Helen is delighted that her four sons all live and work in the Cook Islands. Her daughter, Katherine, lives in Portland, Oregon, but returns often, to become an ‘island girl’ again. Helen has 17 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Helen is now happily married to John Hay. They share a love of travel. Helen and John reside on Rarotonga, the capital island of the Cook Islands. Helen says everyone should come to the Cook Islands and ‘Visit Heaven while they are still on Earth’.   

Helen’s Lecture Topic

• Reflections on 50 Years of Living on a Pacific Island