Cook Islands and New Zealand celebrate 60 years of shared history

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Governor-General joined Cook Islands leaders and dignitaries in Rarotonga today, honouring 60 years of Cook Islands self-governance in partnership with New Zealand.

Speaking at the 60th Constitution Day Ceremony at the National Auditorium in Rarotonga, New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro says she is honoured to be at the deeply significant celebration of Te Maeva Nui - marking 60 years of Cook Islands self-governance, and the very special relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

“Not far from my home of Government House in Wellington, at the Pukeahu War National War Memorial Park, sits a great, beautiful, bronze conch - a particular favourite among children small enough to curl up in its hollow opening,”she says.

“That conch’s name is Te Reo Hotunui o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, ‘the deep sigh of the Pacific’, and it stands as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of the bond between our countries: of the immense sacrifices made by Pacific troops, including so many Cook Islanders, who fought and died alongside their New Zealand comrades in global conflicts of this past century.”

Kiro also acknowledges the long-standing bond between the two nations, as far back as “our voyaging ancestors”.

Kiro says that connection is reflected in the family links between Aotearoa and the Cook Islands.

Dame Cindy Kiro (right) joined the Aitutaki community for their traditional Sunday service at Arutanga Church this morning. Photo/Facebook

“That whakapapa now finds expression in the many family ties which straddle and bind our two countries: the whanaungatanga forged and enforced over generations, and through all the cycles of life - the loves and losses; the triumphs and tragedies shared,” Kiro says.

Kiro emphasises the relationship must remain grounded in people, quoting a whakataukī (proverb).

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people.

“It is the people - that bond of deep friendship between our two peoples - that will transcend all else as we continue to face the challenges, and celebrate the joys of the future, together.”

The Governor General expressed gratitude to Brown and the Cook Island Government, and Cook Islanders across the region for the work and aro’a (love) they have put into making these celebrations such a success, and for everything achieved over the past 60 years.

Also in attendance at the event were Cook Islands leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Brown, King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, members of Parliament, the House of Ariki, religious leaders, foreign dignitaries, and community guests.

Under the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964, which came into force on 4 August 1965, the Cook Islands conducts its own affairs, while New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs and defence, following consultation with the Cook Islands Government.

The arrangement also grants Cook Islanders New Zealand citizenship.

Dame Cindy Kiro's remarks follow an event staged for the 60th Anniversary and Opening of Cook Islands Language Week 2025 at Te Oro Music and Arts Centre, in Glen Innes, on Monday.

The event featured speeches by Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti, Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and Labour Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni.

There, Peters highlighted the close connection the two nations share, as far back as the first settlers of Aotearoa, who share “the same DNA” as Cook Islanders.

He says when visiting the Cook Islands it feels like home and is a “true paradise”.

The Cook Islands and New Zealand are family underpinned by our now 60 year free association relationship,” Peters says.

“That relationship is strong because of our deep and enduring connections.

“They are bonds we value highly and ones that underscore the success of free association.”

Sepuloni says Cook Islanders in Aotearoa number over 80,000, whereas the Cook Islands’ population is roughly 15,000.

She says New Zealand has an important role to play “with respect to retention of culture and language”.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at the 60th Anniversary and Opening of Cook Islands Language Week 2025 in Auckland. Photo/PMN News/Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u.