Untold Norfolk Island Travel Podcast

The World of Norfolk - 

In this episode let’s discuss a few of the reasons that Norfolk Island is described as being a world apart. What makes Norfolk Island truly unique is not just its natural beauty or historical significance, but the way it often exists as a complete world unto itself—with its own distinct character, customs, and contradictions that set it apart from other destinations.

Travelling here is not the same as visiting anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, or for that matter, elsewhere in the South Pacific.

For e...

'Te Wa Kainga' & a Rawson Hall performance - 

In this episode let’s step into the rich tapestry of Norfolk Island's sound heritage through the vibrant community performances held at our iconic Rawson Hall with a special focus this week, on the Maori performance group 'Te Wa Kainga'.

Rawson Hall has long served as a cultural epicentre of our small Pacific community. 

Philip Hayward in his book publication ‘Bounty Chords’ shares:

It was in 1977, that the Norfolk Island Lions Club sponsored a significant cultural exchange, bringing a Maori performance troupe f...

From a Whaling Ship to the Methodist Church - 

The story of Methodism on Norfolk Island begins with an extraordinary twist of fate in 1879. Alfred H. Phelps, serving as a ship's cook aboard the American whaling vessel 'Canton', fell gravely ill whilst the ship was in the Friendly Islands. The captain, recognising the severity of Phelps' condition, made the practical decision to seek medical assistance at the nearest available port—Norfolk Island.

What makes this tale particularly remarkable is that Phelps was not merely a cook, but a lay preacher with a calling to...

Mapping placenames & language anecdotes! - 

 Welcome to Episode 38 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series.

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

Audio - A snippet of ‘Don’t Fence Me In’ - captured at a 2011 singalong at an island home.

In this episode we are going to delve a little deeper into the place names of Norfolk Island.

Previously in Episode 8, I introduced excerpts from Dr Joshua Nash's book, ‘Norfolk Island Placenames’ wh...

Our Norfolk Island Hansard and Youth Assembly insights - 

In this episode, let’s discuss the role of ‘Hansard’ as the official, substantially verbatim report of parliamentary proceedings. Named after Thomas Curson Hansard, who first published debates of the British Parliament in the early 19th century, Hansard serves as the authoritative record of what is said in parliamentary chambers.

For Norfolk Island, our heritage collection of published Hansard documents represents more than just transcripts—it embodies the island's unique journey of governance and political identity.

The creation of Hansard is a meticulou...

The strength of our Norfolk community in fundraising, volunteering and radio! - 

 In isolated island communities such as our Norfolk Island, local initiatives form the backbone of development and sustainability. 

In this episode, it is with much appreciation to a beautiful lady, affectionately called 'Truk'. Lorraine Walker (nee Hayde) was recently back here on the island and she generously shared her memories with me to give background insight into some of the sound heritage recordings I have in my collection : a children’s radio program which she hosted called ‘Out of the Mouths of Babe...

Norfolk Notes & MBE honours on the island! -

In this episode we pay tribute to the late Kathy Lecren who hosted a weekly VL2NI radio program entitled Norfolk Notes in 1985. Have a listen to the following excerpts read by Kathy from the books written by historian and author, Merval Hoare. You’ll hear a snippet about Allan Cunningham, a botanist on the island in 1830, Bishop Selwyn and the Melanesian Mission on the island, an overview of convict drownings at the Bar.

Allan Cunningham was probably the first person to systematically list the pl...

The traditional art of plaiting and a cabaret! - 

In this episode we are going to explore two distinctive traditions that have shaped the island's identity - the traditional craft of plaiting and the vibrant musical cabarets of the 1970/80s.

The Traditional Plaiting of Island hats

Learning to plait traditionally occurs within family settings, with knowledge passed from elders to younger generations through demonstration rather than formal instruction. Learning in this way ensures that subtle techniques are fully absorbed from the precise tension required for different fibres, the handling o...

Country music in festival, a Buffett concert and a tree of knowledge! - 

The Norfolk Island Country Music Festival was born in 1993 from the creative vision of its Patron, Gayleen Snell, who gathered a dedicated group of volunteers around her kitchen table to discuss an ambitious idea: staging a country music festival that would bring performers and enthusiasts together for a week-long celebration of music
The first lineup featured predominantly New Zealand artists with an Australian headliner, establishing what would become a friendly trans-Tasman rivalry that defined the festival for years to come.

Building Homes, Digging Wells & Communal Gardens - 

Discover how Norfolk Islanders maintained our way of life through resourcefulness and cooperation. 

Establishing homes on the island when the Pitcairners arrived, presented immediate challenges. Chief among these was securing a reliable water source, a necessity that shaped the settlement patterns and community development for generations to come.

The digging of wells was a tradition that instilled a deep respect for water resources with many of the original wells on the island now preserved as reminders of the ingenuity and perseverance of the community.

Bounty Day Celebration: A Norfolk Island Tradition - 

 Bounty Day is a significant annual celebration on Norfolk Island, commemorating the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders on June 8, 1856. The festivities showcase our distinctive cultural identity where this living tradition brings together Norfolk Island families in period costume for a day filled with ceremonies, processions and feasting.

Bounty Day (or as it is traditionally known as Anniversary Day) stands as more than just a historical commemoration—it represents a living connection to our Norfolk community’s unique cultural identity. For island families this celebration reinforces our di...

Cattle, a taxi driver and the right of way! - 

 This podcast episode introduces you to another one of the most charming and unexpected aspects of life on our unique South Pacific island. Welcome to Norfolk Island, where cows have the right of way!

One of the biggest surprises for visitors arriving in Norfolk Island is encountering a herd of cattle wandering the roads with no farmer in sight. 

While cattle have freedom to roam, strategically placed cattle stops around the main areas of town prevent them from strolling down the mai...

Mutiny on the Bounty: Films, a band and a legacy - 

The factual foundation beneath the Hollywood glamour begins in 1787, when Britain's Royal Society dispatched Lieutenant William Bligh to Tahiti on what seemed a straightforward botanical mission. His orders were to collect breadfruit plants and transport them to the Caribbean, where they would provide an inexpensive food source for enslaved people on British plantations. The HMAV Bounty, a relatively small vessel at 90 feet in length, was refitted specifically for this purpose with a special deck to house the plants.

The voyage to Tahiti w...

Polyphonic singing and our connection to Polynesia - 

 Let’s explore the rich tradition of polyphonic singing in Polynesia, particularly focusing on the historical encounter between Hugh Carleton and the Pitcairn Islanders in 1850. 

Hugh Carleton, a trader, newspaper editor, politician, and writer with no formal musical qualifications beyond his self-proclaimed talent, found himself accidentally marooned on Pitcairn Island. Upon hearing the local singing, he immediately deemed them "discordant and jarring" to his Western-trained ears.

Perhaps the most revealing aspect of this historical encounter is how quickly the Pitcairn Islanders reportedly mastered Weste...

Genre Fusion & Norfolk Island's Musical Melting Pot - 

 Let’s explore how Norfolk Island’s unique musical heritage has evolved showcasing various genres and the integral role music plays in our community gatherings, fundraisers, and celebrations.

As global communication improved in the mid-20th century, Norfolk Islanders gained increasing access to musical influences from all around the world. Radio broadcasts beginning in the 1940s introduced new sounds to the island, while returning residents who had spent time overseas brought back records, instruments, and fresh musical ideas that would transform the island's soundscape.

 A...

The mystery of unspoken meanings in our Norf’k Language - 

 In this episode, let’s explore a little more of our rich linguistic heritage in Norfolk Island, focusing on proverbs, idioms, and metaphors in the Norf'k language.

When travelling to and visiting a new place, a new community, you may find an unfamiliar language is spoken there. Perhaps there’s a sense that something meaningful remains just beyond your grasp. A string of words, can be delivered with a subtle smile, and carries layers of cultural significance invisible to visitors. This sensation of missi...

The Sacred Gift of Family Stories - 

 There is something profoundly moving about sitting with an elder family member as they share stories from their past. When a grandparent, parent, aunt, or uncle opens up about their childhood experiences, historical events they witnessed, or family traditions they remember, they're offering you more than just information—they're entrusting you with their legacy. This transmission of knowledge represents one of humanity's oldest and most meaningful traditions.

Family stories provide us with context for our own lives and help us understand where we come from. They conn...

Education tradition & a Norf'k Language Camp! - 

AUDIO>> You have just heard the late Archie Bigg reciting his poem about the Year 9 Norfolk Language camp

 In this episode, let’s explore the foundation of our Norfolk Island education from our Pitcairn origins.

The educational tradition on Norfolk Island extends back to the Pitcairn Islanders. In 1835, the community on Pitcairn instituted compulsory education for children aged six years and over. This early dedication to education stemmed from John Adams, one of the original Bounty mutineers, who taught the first generation of P...

The Norfolk Island pine, fibonacci & heritage shingle-making - 

 In this episode, let’s explore our iconic Norfolk Island Pine, its ecological and historical significance, and the traditional craft of making roof shingles as a part of our island's cultural heritage. 

I would like to share this overview from a chapter entitled; ‘Norfolk Island’s trees’ by Kevin Mills. Kevin is a botanist and ecologist.

The local native trees number only 32 species, while several hundred different tree species have been brought from elsewhere since Europeans arrived in 1788.

One tree that c...

Our sporting legacy of watershed moments -

 In this episode, let’s explore the athletic excellence in our Norfolk Island community as we delve into our participation in the South Pacific Games and Commonwealth Games and exceptional achievements despite our small size and isolation. 

Norfolk Island has cultivated a remarkably strong sporting tradition that forms another pillar of our community identity, connecting us to the broader Pacific and global community through athletic competition.

Sports on Norfolk Island transcends mere recreational activity—it represents community pride recognising natural athletic abilities, combined with determ...

Pacific Cable Station and the road to Kingfisher! - 

 In 1902, Norfolk Island took a monumental step into the modern age with the establishment of the Pacific Cable Station at Anson Bay. This facility marked the island's first telegraphic contact with the outside world, ending centuries of relative isolation. Prior to this development, communication with the mainland required physical transportation of messages by ship, a process that could take weeks or even months depending on shipping schedules and weather conditions.

The station was not merely a local improvement but a significant component in a gr...

Chickens, chooks, fowls, in all their Norfolk glory! -

Upon arriving at Norfolk Island, visitors are immediately struck by an observation which can often catch you by surprise – the numerous broods of feral chickens freely roaming the island. These colourful birds can be spotted going about their daily business of scratching and pecking against virtually every picturesque backdrop the island has to offer.

Is there a First Fleet Connection?
When Bruce Baskerville arrived on Norfolk Island in 2008 to take up his position as site manager for the island's historic buildings an...

A tribute to those who chose Norfolk Island as their home - 

In this week’s episode I would like to pay tribute to the women and men who chose Norfolk Island as their home. They often married islanders of Pitcairn descent, had families and it is through their dedication, love, and countless contributions, that these women and men have helped shape the Norfolk Island we cherish today.

For those who made the decision to move to Norfolk Island, this meant saying goodbye to their families, friends, and everything familiar to uncertainty about wha...

Foraging local produce as shared in the words of our Norf'k language - 

 The remoteness of Norfolk Island has fostered a spirit of resourcefulness and innovation in its culinary practices. We adapt to the seasonal availability of local produce, creatively using unripe fruits and planning ahead to ensure a steady supply of food throughout the year. This adaptability is a hallmark of our Norfolk Island culinary heritage, reflecting our deep connection to our environment and our way of life.

This innovative approach to cooking extends beyond simply using what's available, many of us ha...

Lower Lights, Whaling & Scrimshaw - 

 I, like many today, hold a deep reverence for whales. I am captivated by their sounds, their movements, and their majestic presence in the ocean. The idea of harming such creatures is, to me, deeply unsettling. However, as a descendant of Norfolk Islanders, I must also confront the reality of our whaling history, a heritage that includes my own great-grandfather, Louis “Hookie” Bataille, who was a harpoonist in the 1940s.

How can I, in my 21st-century world of convenience and technological advancement, truly understand the motivations and necessities of the...

Anniversary day, children, education and a youth assembly! -

 On June 8, 1856, one hundred and ninety-four souls arrived on Norfolk Island, marking this current significant chapter in Norfolk Island’s history. These individuals, descendants of Tahitian foremothers and the HMAV Bounty mutineers, embarked on a gruelling 33-day sea journey aboard the naval vessel, Morayshire, from Pitcairn Island. The surnames of Christian, Young, Adams, Quintal, McCoy, Nobbs, Evans, and Buffett, were all on board. During the voyage, one child was born and named Reuben Denison Christian. This arrival was a profound transition for a community stepping into a n...

Sun, Soil and Sea. Rockmelon, tarla and hihi! -

 Our Norfolk Island’s rich volcanic soil, abundant sunshine, and surrounding sea is a wonderful environment for cultivating distinctive produce. Let’s explore our agricultural landscape, the history and cultivation of local crops like rockmelons and taro/tarla, and one of our all time favourite traditions that is deeply intertwined with our island food, the cherished activity of ‘gwen rumma' and the gathering of 'hihi'.

 Professor Peter Mühlhäusler shares a work in progress entitled ‘Plant Names in Norf’k’ as gathered from input by Norfolk...

Horses as an integral part of the fabric of early Norfolk Island life -

 How can we put ourselves into the shoes of 104 children under the age of 16, seeing, for the very first time, four-legged creatures on rugged hillsides? 

They had never seen a horse before, let alone ridden one. 

It was in 1856 that our community of 194 people arrived here in Norfolk Island, a tiny isolated isle, after a sea passage from Pitcairn Island, westward across the Pacific Ocean. 

Upon landing, they inherited a unique and challenging environment, including a pr...

Surf Norfolk Island where your perfect wave awaits  -

In this episode we’ll be touching upon the many physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits of participating in ocean activities, with a focus on surfing; from the therapeutic effects of blue spaces, to the unique benefits of surfing as exercise and meditation, and the importance of responsible ocean conservation through active participation in water sports.

Beyond physical fitness, ocean activities enhance positive impacts on our mental health. Spending time in nature, especially by the ocean, has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and dep...

The enduring legacy of fishing on the island from one generation to the next -

Norfolk Island offers exceptional fishing experiences - whether it’s catching fish from a boat or tasting the deliciously fresh fresh at a restaurant or evening tour, as caught only hours before!

Fishing on the island is way of life that deeply connects us to the ocean, fosters a sense of community responsibility, and ensures the sustainability of this cherished resource.

The spirit of sharing and community is deeply ingrained in our fishing way of life. It...

'In the Sweet By & By' and the story behind this cherished hymn -

 The comforting melody and hopeful lyrics of ‘In the Sweet By and By' have always resonated with us on the island. 

For our Norfolk Island community, hymn singing was traditionally a comfort that transcended the immediate moment, linking us to a shared heritage. Often, this intrinsic beauty of the hymn itself supersedes any need to understand its origin or history. Yet, when the story behind a cherished hymn is shared, it deepens our appreciation and adds another layer of meaning to t...

Our traditional gardening practices -

 Our traditional gardening practices on the island were born from necessity and isolation. For generations, the Norfolk Island community mastered the art of self-sufficiency, adapting to the island's distinctive and often changing climate and seasons with limited resources.

Our geographical isolation fostered innovative farming methods with a deep connection between our way of life and the land cultivated.

The necessity of self-sufficiency stemmed from supply ships arriving ad-hoc. Families couldn't rely on imported foods, making home gardens essential for survival. The single general store's inventory on t...

Norfolk Island's Music Heritage: The Art of Playing by Ear -

This week we are going to uncover a musical snapshot  focusing on the custom of 'playing by ear,' a tradition deeply ingrained in our island's music heritage.

Many Norfolk Islanders developed the ability to pick up and play traditional songs and melodies without the need for sheet music or formal training. This skill was passed down through generations, with younger islanders learning from their elders and honing their ability to hear and reproduce the intricate rhythms and harmonies that define Norfolk I...

Our Island Tapestry of Names and Places -

 In this episode we are going to journey through the captivating linguistic and cultural landscape of Norfolk Island, unraveling the rich history embedded within our unique placenames and naming customs.

To touch upon the stories behind these names, we’ll discuss how they reflect the island's complex past, its sustainable practices, and the enduring strength of its cultural identity. Upon arrival onto the island as a visitor you’ll receive an island map featuring mostly English names of streets and locations.

Within our Norfo...

Our social customs & children's stories in the Norf'k language -

 In this episode, let’s explore some of our social customs, our bonds of kinship and family ties, to the deep respect shown towards elders and the way in which we bring up our children on the island. 

The late Miss Bataille, was the Kindergarten teacher at the school for many years and in her Norf’k language lessons she compiled a couple of children’s stories.Listen to three of her stories being read in the Norf'k language and foll...