The people of the Cook Islands have rejected the resumption of
nuclear testing by the French at Moruroa Atoll (aka Mururoa). A small
(Pop ~19,500) Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific, and the
nearest nation outside French Polynesia to the proposed test site,
Cook Islanders believe their national security, and especially the
future security of their children and grandchildren, is in grave danger.
On August 18, 1995 they are sending a traditional Polynesian voyaging
canoe (vaka) and crew to the exclusion zone around Moruroa.
Over this past year Vaka Te-Au-O-Tonga journeyed over 6000 miles, retracing the path of their ancestors across the Pacific. Under government sponsorship, this was a voyage of inspiration for some, while others were irritated at the expense for this overburdened country. However, local support for the present enterprise is widespread as a uniquely Polynesian response to the potentially deadly actions of the French from half-way around the world.
This voyage will cost a great deal (almost £30,000) which cannot be met by strained Government budgets. Local groups are raising funds from donations, but this is difficult given the downturn in their economy over the past year and absent tourists from Europe and America concerned about the resumption of testing.
Help from those around the world from this island paradise is welcome. This may be one of the best opportunities for many people to help influence world opinion on the tests which are to resume in September.
Donations in any amount, in any currency and in any form may be sent to 'Vaka ki Moruroa' c/o Clark's Solicitors, Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific. Funds can be wired to 'Vaka ki Moruroa', WestPac Bank, Avarua, Rarotonga.
Letters of support should be sent to Cook Islands News Avarua, Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific.
This page will be updated in late September 1995 with stories from the crew, photographs and other information about the voyage.