Cook Islands Country & Tourist Information

Location
South Pacific, Polynesia.

Area
237 sq km (91.5 sq miles).

Population
21,388 (2005).

Population Density
90.2 per sq km.

Capital
Avarua (on Rarotonga).
Population: 9,000.

Government
Self-governing state in ‘free association’ with New Zealand. (New Zealand retains responsibility for external affairs.) Gained self-governing status in 1965.

Language
The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori.

Religion
Mainly Cook Islands Christian Church (58%); also Roman Catholic, Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists and Assembly of God.

Time
GMT - 10.

Electricity
220 volts DC, 50Hz.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Jim Marurai since 2004.

Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Sir Frederick Goodwin. New Zealand is represented locally by High Commissioner Tia Barrett since 2008.

Recent History
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.

Executive power is formally held by the New Zealand high commissioner (High Commissioner Rob Moore-Jones since 1998) but effectively devolved to the cabinet. 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.

Telephone
Country code: 682. International telephone is available 24 hours from the telecommunications office (Telecom Cook Islands).

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. Travelers arriving from New Zealand, Australia and Samoa can arrange roaming with their own network providers. Those from other destinations must purchase a Cook Islands’ SIM card and top-up cards. Mobile coverage is available in Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Internet
There are Internet facilities in Avarua at the Telecom Cook Islands office (open 24 hours a day), at the post office, at Internet cafes and at computer stores.

Media
The main radio and TV stations are operated by the privately-owned Elijah Communications, which also publishes weekly newspapers. There are plans in progress for a public radio service.


Post
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1600.

Press
• The independent daily, Cook Islands News, is published in Maori and English.
• The Cook Islands Herald and Cook Islands Independent are independent weeklies, owned by Elijah Communications.

Radio
• Radio Cook Islands is an independent mediumwave (AM) station, operated by Elijah Communications.
• Radio Ikurangi is a private FM station.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1-2 Jan New Year. 
10 Apr Good Friday. 
13 Apr Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day. 
1 Jun Queen's Birthday. 
25 Jul Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

2010
1-2 Jan New Year. 
2 Apr Good Friday. 
5 Apr Easter Monday.
25 Apr ANZAC Day. 
7 Jun* Queen's Birthday. 
Jul* Rarotonga Gospel Day.
4 Aug Constitution Day.
26 Oct National Gospel Day.
25-26 Dec Christmas.

* Dates to be confirmed.

Contact Information:

Diplomatic representation
The Cook Islands are self governing ’in free association’ with New Zealand and are represented abroad in countries where they have no consular offices by New Zealand embassies and high commissions (see New Zealand section).

Principal Immigration Officer
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, PO Box 105, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Tel: (682) 29347.
Website: www.cook-islands.gov.ck

Cook Islands High Commission in New Zealand
PO Box 12-242, 56 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington, New Zealand
Tel: (4) 472 5126/7.
E-mail: cookislands@cookhicom.org.nz

Cook Islands Tourist Bureau in the UK
c/o Hills Balfour, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9EU, UK
Tel: (020) 7202 6365.
Website: www.cook-islands.com


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