In a joyous display of national pride, the Cook Islands celebrated its 58th anniversary of self-government in free association with Aotearoa New Zealand, established on August 4, 1965.

Te Maeva Nui performers, guests, and residents came together at Te Are Karioi Nui yesterday morning to celebrate the signing of independence.

Prime Minister Mark Brown emphasised the significance of the occasion, the journey of the nation towards self-governance, and the nation’s achievements in his speech.

He highlighted the immense progress the nation has made in the past 58 years, and the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development as we look towards a promising future.

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“On this day, through an act of self-determination, we chose to govern our own affairs. Although each of our islands has its own very distinct identity, together we became a nation with our own territory of lands and ocean, and our own destiny in our hands.”

The journey of statehood towards security and peace, and prosperity and well-being for our nation and people, began 58 years ago, Brown said.

“For 58 years, the nation has celebrated our sovereignty through Te Maeva Nui celebrations… to mark our nation’s birthday, in ways only we know how – through song, dance, performance and food.

“Looking back to 1965 -– the beginnings of decolonisation within the Pacific, and in the years to follow, many Pacific neighbours took the route of total independence.

“The Cook Islands chose a slightly different path – a path that we thank our founding leaders for choosing – self-government.”

Recognising our deep ancestral roots as Māori people with Aotearoa and the fact that many Cook Islanders had made Aotearoa their home, Brown said our leaders charted a course that allowed us to reclaim our sovereignty and territory as the Cook Islands while allowing us to preserve our New Zealand citizenship bedded in our ancestral roots as Māori people and the ties that bind Aotearoa New Zealand with the Cook Islands.

“We come from a people who are proud voyagers, and 1000 years ago, they built boats and made the journey across our Moana Nui o Kiva.

“We are voyagers still today, and this time we are on a journey of discovery. To make new discoveries, just as our ancestors did, not just across the ocean but also into the depths of our ocean.

“We have hope and optimism for the future as we look to establish a legacy of resilience and prosperity for generations to come,” said Brown.