Cook Islands Constitution

THE STORY OF THE CONSTITUTION
Reflections On History

The Cook Islands became a self-governing nation on 4th August, 1965. This page reflects on this very special day in the history of the nation.

WARM WISHES FROM THE QUEEN

Her Majesty the Queen (Queen Elizabeth II) - who, to this day remains the official head of state - sent "warmest greetings" to her people on Constitution Day, 1965. She said in a letter (left): "It is my sincere wish that this important day in your long history will be blest by Almighty God and will be the door to a happy and prosperous future".

The Honourable Albert Royle Henry was the first Prime Minister serving from 1965 to 1978. He thought big...he wanted big ships and big planes to come to Rarotonga. And he encouraged foreign investment. Today's docks and international airport are down to his vision and his hard work.

Parliament, which is based on the UK model, has two houses. The lower house or Legislative Assembly has 25 elected members - 24 from districts of the Cook Islands and one representing the many Cook Islanders who live overseas. The Members of Parliament represent districts and islands. The upper house, or House of Ariki, is made up of traditional leaders, who provide consultation and advice.

The Parliament Buildings

DANCING TO A POLITICAL TUNE

The cultural competitions have been a focal part of the constitution celebrations from the start. But until recently, dancing and singing performances were used by islanders to praise political parties and lobby for projects on their islands. Changes came as recently as 2002 when the Culture Secretary of the time decided that the political rally format should be ditched in favour of one that focussed on unity through cultural heritage. And that's how it's been ever since. The theme for 2006 is the islands tribes.

Pictures, courtesy of Cook Islands News, are from 2005

The Constitution Celebrations were renamed in 2001 because the Prime Minister of the time wanted a Cook Islands Maori name to capture the essence and joy of the annual festival. they are now called "Te Maeva Nui" which translates as "the major or most important celebration".

Henry also introduced a universal old age pension (10 shillings a week = 50 UK pence, 92 US cents), and a policy still in force today that no building in the Cook Islands should be higher than the highest coconut tree.

THE VISIONARY FIRST PM

STEPS TO SELF GOVERNMENT
The Cook Islands is a self governing nation "in free association with New Zealand. That means it makes its own laws and governs itself, but New Zealand is responsible for External Affairs and Defence in consultation with the Cook Islands government. All Islanders also have New Zealand citizenship and this right is protected under the constitution.

1888: UK declares the islands a British colony
1901: Islands annexed by New Zealand
1947: Legislative Council established
1959: Council expanded to include representatives from Islands' Councils
14 December, 1960: UN General Assembly passes a resolution calling for all colonial peoples to be granted full independence
12 July, 1962:   Options for the political future of the Islands laid out by New Zealand's Minister of Island Territories
20 April, 1965:   Cook Islands general election to choose members of the Legislative Assembly (subsequently Parliament)
4 August, 1965:   Cook Islands declared a self-governing nation "in free association with New Zealand"
16 December, 1965:   UN General Assembly endorses self government

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO EXPLORE NEXT?
RAROTONGA EVENTS CALENDAR ISLANDS FACT FILE
OR TAILOR MAKE YOUR OWN TOUR USING THE MENU ON THE LEFT

The current flag wasn't adopted until August, 1979, replacing the one below.