Flag of Cook Islands

The flag of the Cook Islands was officially adopted on August 4, 1979 and consists of 15 white stars arranged in a circle on a blue background on the right side of the flag and with the British flag in the upper left corner (canton).

Meaning of the symbolism of the Cook Islands flag

• The Union Jack in the upper left corner represents the Cook Islands' historical and constitutional ties to the United Kingdom. It emphasizes the fact that the archipelago is part of the British Commonwealth and has the status of a self-governing territory, but is in association with New Zealand;
• The blue background symbolizes the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, where the Cook Islands are located. The blue color also represents peace, stability and reliability;
• 15 white stars arranged in a circle on a blue field represent the 15 islands that make up the archipelago. The circular arrangement symbolizes the unity between these islands, their equal importance and cooperation within one political entity.

What islands do the 15 stars on the Cook Islands flag symbolize?

1. Penrhyn, also known as Tongareva, is the northernmost atoll of the Cook Islands and one of the largest, with a huge lagoon surrounded by a coral ring. This isolated paradise has a unique history and culture. Its name, Penrhyn, comes from the ship Lady Penrhyn, which landed on the atoll in 1788, while the atoll's traditional name, Tongareva, is believed to mean “floating in space” or “the way from the south”, reflecting its remote location;
2. Rakahanga is one of the most remote atolls in the Pacific Ocean, located approximately 42 km south of its “sister” island Manihiki. It is a small coral atoll with an area of approximately 4 square kilometers. Despite its isolation, Rakaganga is known for fishing competitions, during which fishermen can catch up to 200 tuna per day. This place preserves traditions, and every visitor feels the hospitality of the locals, despite the difficulties in reaching this island;
3. Manihiki is a small atoll in the northern Cook Islands group with a population of about 200 people and a small number of tourists who visit it every year. The main economic activity is related to the cultivation of black pearls, so the atoll is often called the “Pearl Island”. Although there are no hotels or restaurants, the peaceful environment and natural beauty offer a unique and relaxing vacation;
4. Pukapuka is a remote atoll often referred to as the “Danger Island” due to the dangerous landing conditions described by early explorers such as Commodore Byron in 1765. Located far from Rarotonga and closer to Samoa and Tokelau, Pukapuka is culturally distinct from the other Cook Islands with its language (Te Leo Wale), traditions and unique history. According to local legend, the entire population of Pukapukan, numbering less than 500 people, are descendants of those who survived the storm and tsunami in the 17th century;
5. Nassau is a small island located 55 miles northwest of Pukapukan. Unlike the other islands in this group, Nassau has no lagoon and is only 28 feet above sea level. It has an area of only 1.3 square kilometers and a population of about 78 people (according to the 2016 census). The simplicity and isolation of Nassau give it a unique charm: a minimum of modern amenities, no commercial flights, a quiet, traditional way of life that has changed little over the decades;
6. Suwarrow - Suvorov Atoll, located about 825 km northwest of Rarotonga, was discovered in 1814 by Russian captain Mikhail Lazarev on the frigate Suvorov. The atoll gained fame as “the most romantic island in the world” and is still considered a place with hidden treasures. Since 1978, Suvorov has been a national park and bird sanctuary. Its pristine reefs and numerous islands (about 30) are home to hundreds of thousands of rare seabirds;
7. Palmerston is an atoll located 500 km from Rarotonga and consists of six main islets bounded by a coral reef. The atoll is home to about 60 people, most of whom are descendants of the English sailor Richard William Masters, who settled on the islands in 1862. The atoll, discovered by Captain Cook in 1774, is an important nesting ground for green turtles and rare seabirds, and the 39-square-kilometer lagoon is the main source of fish and resources for the locals;
8. Aitutaki is a tropical paradise for honeymooners and travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. The history of Aitutaki dates back to the 12th century, when it was settled by Polynesians who arrived by outrigger canoes from the east. The first contact of Europeans with the island took place in 1789, when Captain William Bly of the Bounty arrived here a few days before the infamous mutiny. Aitutaki played an important role during World War II, when American and New Zealand troops built an airstrip that is still in use today. Today, it is a peaceful island with a rich culture, with traditional performances, local markets, and historical sites;
9. Manuae is a coral atoll located about 100 km southeast of Aitutaki. Manuae was once home to several Polynesian families, but over 200 years ago they were relocated to neighboring islands, so today the island is uninhabited. Manu'ae is famous for its natural beauty, including vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and pristine central lagoon, making it a key destination for conservation and occasional ecotourism;
10. Takutea is an uninhabited atoll in the Cook Islands, located 20 kilometers northwest of its nearest neighbor, Atiu. Known for its pristine coral reefs, rich marine life and bird sanctuary, it is a protected area. The atoll also offers exceptional diving opportunities, although access is limited due to rough seas and an uninterrupted reef;
11. Atiu, also known as Enuaman (which translates to “land of birds”), is a true haven for nature lovers and relaxation. Its history dates back more than 8 million years. Today, Atiu is known for its high-quality arabica grown on ecological plantations, as well as for the production of craft beer. Tourists can not only taste the local beverages, but also attend traditional tumunu gatherings where island news is discussed while sipping fruit beer;
12. Mitiaro is part of the Cook Islands, located about 225 km northeast of Rarotonga. The island covers about 22 km², with a large part of the island occupied by unique freshwater lakes. Mitiaro is deeply rooted in Christian traditions, and visitors can enjoy moving Sunday hymns at the local CICC (Cook Islands Christian Church) church. The island's historic fort, Te Pare, emphasizes its military past, and the ancient structure offers stunning views of the coast. Te Pare was built to protect against the Atiu warriors, with whom there was a fierce rivalry. Walls up to six meters high were deliberately built close to the coast to provide a 360° view;
13. Mauke (another name “Akatokamanava”, meaning “the place where my heart rests”) is a volcanic island located 277 km east of Rarotonga. Known for its rich flora and attractive nature, it covers an area of 18 km² and has a population of about 249 people. The island is often referred to as the “Garden of the Cook Islands” because of its fertile soils, where many flowers and plants thrive. Its central part is a volcanic plateau surrounded by a ring of fossilized corals (makatea) that create an unusual landscape with numerous unexplored caves and secluded beaches;
14. Rarotonga is the largest island among the Cook Islands archipelago, which is of volcanic origin and surrounded by lagoons and reefs that protect its waters. The interior of the island is covered with dense vegetation and mountains, with the highest being Mount Te Manga, 658 meters high. Tourism is the main industry on Rarotonga, attracting visitors with its white beaches, clear lagoons, and ecotourism opportunities;
15. Mangaia, the southernmost island of which is more than 18 million years old, making it the oldest island in the Pacific Ocean. The island is home to about 500 people, who mainly support themselves through agriculture and fishing. The local belief system honors ancestral spirits, and many caves on the island serve as burial sites. Legends say that these spirits roam the land after dark, filling the island with a deep spiritual aura.

History of the Cook Islands flag

The history of the Cook Islands dates back to 1595. Spanish explorer Alvaro de Mendaña was the first European to see the islands. However, the real exploration of the archipelago was carried out in 1773 by the British captain James Cook, after whom the islands were named.

In 1888, the islands officially became a British protectorate. This was done at the request of local leaders to protect the islands from Germany. During this period, the British flag, the Union Jack, was used on the islands.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, in 1901, the Cook Islands were annexed to New Zealand, again under British rule. The flag of New Zealand and the British Union Jack continued to be used as official symbols on the territory of the islands.

In 1965, the Cook Islands gained the right to self-government, remaining a freely associated territory of New Zealand. A few years later, in 1973, a competition was held to develop a new flag design, which received about 120 designs. The winner was a variant consisting of a solid green cloth, on which 15 yellow stars in the form of a circle were placed on the right side of the flag (on the opposite side from the pole), symbolizing the 15 islands that make up the archipelago. The green color symbolized nature, the strength of the earth and the nation, while the stars were symbols of the sky, faith in God, and their placement in a circle symbolized the unity between all the Cook Islands atolls.

On August 4, 1979, the last modification of the flag took place. It was decided to use the British “Blue Ensign”, as New Zealand does on its flag, i.e. a blue background with the British flag in the canton (Union Jack). At the same time, the main symbolism of the previous flag - a circle of 15 stars - was transferred to the modern flag, changing only their color from yellow to white.