Heartland - Aitutaki

Television (Full Length Episode) – 1996

This Heartland episode was the first to venture beyond New Zealand, following presenter Annie Whittle and a group of Cook Islanders as they return from Aotearoa to the village of Vaipae on Aitutaki. The expats are back to celebrate the opening of a new mission house they fundraised for. For some, it's their first visit in nearly 30 years. They also celebrate a traditional wedding and the annual yacht regatta. Whittle summarises their trip — "For them the heartland is two places: one here in New Zealand, and another on the home island". When the time to leave arrives, they must consider where their true heartland lies.

I love my life in New Zealand — there's education here for my children. I look at their future and I really want for them to have the best.
– Iva Singsam on why she is raising her kids in New Zealand, early in this episode