The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is deeply saddened to report that a number of headstones at Nikao Cemetery have been found broken and/or removed from graves.
The damage was discovered by CIIC’s Facilities and Parks Team during its regular work at the cemetery. An initial inspection has identified just under 10 affected headstones, although further checks are being undertaken to establish the full extent of the damage.
It is understood that some of the graves affected may be those of returned servicemen and veterans. CIIC is working to confirm the identities of those whose graves have been affected and to contact their families where possible.
The matter has been reported to the Cook Islands Police.
CIIC Chief Executive Allan Jensen said the discovery was extremely upsetting, particularly for the families whose loved ones’ graves have been affected.
“This is a deeply distressing situation. These headstones are not simply structures within the cemetery – they mark the resting places of loved ones and hold enormous personal and cultural significance for their families.
“We are very conscious that behind every headstone is a family, and our immediate thoughts are with those who may be affected.”
CIIC’s Facilities and Parks Team has been undertaking regular maintenance of the Nikao Cemetery grounds for more than a year, working closely with Cate Walker and others involved in the ongoing care and management of the cemetery.
The team was last on site carrying out grounds maintenance approximately two weeks before the damage was discovered.
CIIC is working to identify all graves and families affected and will cooperate fully with Police as they make enquiries into the incident.
“We ask everyone to please respect the cemetery and the families concerned, and to allow Police the opportunity to establish what has occurred,” Jensen said.
“Anyone who may have seen unusual activity at Nikao Cemetery, or who has information that could assist, is encouraged to contact the Cook Islands Police.”
“There can be few things more distressing for a family than discovering that the grave of someone they love has been disturbed.”
CIIC will provide further information as it becomes available.
