The islands were named after Captain James Cook, who became the first European to sight them in 1733. However, credit for the first discovery of these islands must go to the Polynesians who discovered them during their great migratory journeys across the Pacific in the seventh and eighth centuries. The main island, Rarotonga, was rediscovered by the Bounty Mutineers in 1789. In 1888 they became a British protectorate, and in 1901 became part of New Zealand.
In 1965, the islands achieved self-government as a New Zealand Dependency. There are no plans and little pressure to change this
status. Jim Marurai, of the Demo Tumu party was sworn in as Prime Minister in December 2004 after winning the backing of MPs. His predecessor Robert Woonton stood down after a recount of the September 2004 general election votes revealed a tie for the seat between Mr Woonton and his challenger.
Government
The Cook Islands are an internally self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Executive power is formally held by the New Zealand High Commissioner (High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998) but effectively devolved to the Cabinet. This, in turn, is responsible to the 25-member Parliament, directly elected every five years. Twenty-four of the members each represent districts of the Cook Islands and one represents Cook Islanders who live overseas. The House of Ariki, which is composed of all the paramount chiefs of the Cook Islands, serves as an advisory body. Advice is given on legislation concerning customs and traditions, though the House of Ariki has no powers of legislation itself. New Zealand is responsible for defense and foreign affairs. In 2005, the Cook Islands celebrated 40-years of self governance.
EconomyTourism and agriculture is the principal industry. The islands are economically underdeveloped, largely due to their isolation, and depend on extensive aid from New Zealand. The government is seeking to build up the islands’ infrastructure as a precursor to further development.
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