TRAVELOG

Cook Islands

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For individual islands named "Cook Island", see Cook Island (disambiguation).

 The Cook Islands' defence and foreign affairs are the responsibility of New Zealand, which is exercised in consultation with the Cook Islands. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy. Although Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, they have the status of Cook Islands nationals, which is not given to other New Zealand citizens.The Cook Islands (ⁱ/ˈkʊk ˈaɪləndz/; Cook Islands Māori: Kūki 'Āirani^[4]) is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean in free association with New Zealand. It comprises 15 islands whose total land area is 240 square kilometres (92.7 sq mi). The Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), however, covers 1,800,000 square kilometres (690,000 sq mi) of ocean.^[5]

The Cook Islands' main population centres are on the island of Rarotonga (10,572 in 2011^[3]), where there is an international airport. There is a larger population of Cook Islanders in New Zealand, particularly theNorth Island. In the 2006 census, 58,008 self-identified as being of ethnic Cook Islands Māori descent.^[6]

With about 100,000 visitors travelling to the islands in the 2010–11 financial year,^[7] tourism is the country's main industry, and the leading element of the economy, ahead of offshore banking, pearls, and marine and fruit exports.

Cook Islands aerial vie

Beautiful scenery of COOK ISLANDS

Arts and Crafts 

Then there are the arts and crafts. Considered as some of the finest artists and carvers in the Pacific, it's the decorative wood carvings, tattoos and tapa cloth designs which have a distinctive Cook Islands touch. The missionaries considered tattooing to be taboo in the mid 1800s, but fortunately it survived and is re-emerging in fine tradition. Designs and motifs are derived from heritage and ancient lore and are worn with pride, symbolising one’s traditional inheritance. 

Wood carving is revered. The Tangaroa is the symbol of the Cook Islands and a favourite subject. Many wonderful examples are found in the museums along with other replica wood carvings like huge hollowed out bowls, story boards and war clubs as well as the inevitable spears and fish hooks. According to folklore, the ancient islanders carved the poles of their huts, their canoes and of course their weapons. The patterns used are much the same as those for tattooing, tapa and indicating family symbols. 

Weaving, particularly of baskets, is a traditional part of life. Pandanus, or kikau and coconut fibre, are the most commonly used materials. But rito is probably the most highly prized. Baskets were used for everything from collecting shellfish, for fishing, carrying crops and putting in the umu in the old days. Then of course there were sandals, fishing nets, ropes and eel traps out of sinnet – another part of the coconut tree. Roofs from rauara were the norm, later kikau replaced it. The hats, fans and mats from both pandanus and rito are true treasures of the Cook Islands. 

Many of the handicrafts have their own unique history. The shell and seed hat bands fromMangaia for instance, while the finely woven pandanus mats from Pukapuka are renowned for their intricate and delicate finish. The rito hat – desired by many a visitor – is also a vital part of every Cook Island woman’s wardrobe. Tivaevae, particularly from Atiu, are intricately made bedspreads demonstrating a unique form of patchwork. 

Painting, a legendary island art form, is prevalent and popular. With a relaxed lifestyle, the Cook Islands is a haven of inspiration for artists. Highly valued works, inspired by traditional island elements but with contemporary creativity, are found in the form of oils, portraits sketches and water colours. 

Also of value are the hand printed designs of pareus and mu-mus derived from carved wooden boards depicting traditional patterns, along with flora and fauna and sea life that are so typical of the islands. In natural dyes, this unique form of printing is a boutique craft gaining admiration globally. 

Polynesian identity is found everywhere in the Cook Islands – in museums and galleries, in restored sites and in everyday life. A true indication of the innate artistic spirit contained in the body of every Cook Islander. 

Tips on travelling to the island