Dame Cindy and Dr Davies arrived in Rarotonga on the afternoon of 31st July to take part in celebrations marking the Cook Islands' 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand. Their Excellencies were welcomed upon arrival by Sir Tom Marsters, the King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters, and by Ui Ariki.
This began a six-day visit to the Cook Islands for the Governor-General, where she met Cook Islanders from across Rarotonga and Pa Enua performing in Te Maeva Nui, learned about conservation and community initiatives, and affirming the very special bond between our two countries.
You can find more images from the welcome in the image gallery for Their Excellencies' official welcome to the Cook Islands.
That evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were hosted for dinner by Sir Tom Marsters, the King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters, and exchanged gifts in acknowledgement of Their Excellencies’ visit for the Cook Islands’ 60th Constitution Day celebrations, as well as Sir Tom's 80th birthday – both falling on 4th August.
To begin their second day on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Avana Harbour to meet Peia Patai, who holds the rare title of Pwo Master Navigator, and members of his young crew. Peia is the chairman and founder of Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation in Rarotonga which aims to preserve and revitalise traditional Cook Islands voyaging knowledge.
Their Excellencies heard about the crew's voyaging plans across the Pacific, and about Paikea – a voyaging vaka that has been used to teach the next generation about traditional celestial navigation.
You can find more images from the visit in the image gallery for Their Excellencies' visit to Te Puna Marama Voyaging Foundation.
Following their time at Avana Harbour, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had lunch with the Cook Islands National Council of Women – an organisation working to empower women, support families, and promote gender equality on the Cook Islands. The group includes representatives from across Rarotonga and Pa Enua, and also advocates for the preservation of Cook Islands language and culture, and for strong action on climate change.
You can find more images from the visit in the image gallery for Their Excellencies' visit to the Cook Islands National Council of Women.
To conclude their afternoon of day two on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies had the opportunity to meet kapa haka groups and representatives who have travelled to Rarotonga from Aotearoa to be a part of Te Maeva Nui for 2025.
Their Excellencies heard about performers’ experiences being a part of these significant celebrations for the Cook Islands, and enjoyed a performance by Te Hekenga ā Rangi out in the beautiful grounds of Ngatipa, the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence.
You can find more images from the afternoon in the image gallery for Their Excellencies' meeting with kapa haka groups.
Te Maeva Nui is a week-long celebration of Cook Islands culture, bringing together performers, dancers and musicians from across Rarotonga, Pa Enua, Aotearoa, and around the world. That evening, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined Sir Tom and Lady Marsters at the Cook Islands National Auditorium to watch an evening of spectacular performances.
You can find more images from the Te Maeva Nui performances in the image gallery from Te Maeva Nui.
On Sunday morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies joined the Aitutaki community for their traditional service at Arutanga Church. Built in 1828 from coral limestone, Arutanga is the oldest church in the Cook Islands.
You can find more images from the service in the image gallery from the service at Arutanga Church.
The 4th of August this year marked a very special day for the Cook Islands, as the country celebrated 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand.
At the official ceremony of celebration in Rarotonga, Dame Cindy delivered her address of deepest congratulations and best wishes, affirming the strength of the bond between our two countries: ‘As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish the Cook Islands a peaceful and prosperous future, for all Cook Islanders, for your families, for generations into the future – knowing that New Zealand remains at your side.’
You can read Dame Cindy's full address via Her Excellency's address for the ceremony for the Cook Islands' 60th Constitution Day, and you can find more images in the image gallery for the ceremony for the Cook Islands' 60th Constitution Day.
To end the day of celebrations, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies were hosted by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown for a beautiful State Dinner at Tamarind House, along with other overseas dignitaries who have travelled to Rarotonga to attend Te Maeva Nui 2025.
You can find more images from the dinner in the image gallery for the State Dinner for the Cook Islands' 60th Constitution Day.
On their final morning on the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited the Takuva’ine Valley Ecological Area to meet with Dr Teina Rongo, co-founder and coordinator of Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau, and his team, including many Cook Islands rangatahi.
Through the use of indigenous knowledge and practices, and a deep connection to the land, sky, and sea, this environmental NGO has been working to protect and preserve the environment, natural resources, and culture of the Cook Islands. Their recent work has resulted in the removal of thousands of invasive species from the reefs of Rarotonga, and the replanting of native ‘ūtū trees throughout the beautiful Takuva’ine Valley.
You can find more images in the image gallery for Their Excellencies' visit to the Takuva’ine Valley Ecological Area.
For their final official engagement of their visit to the Cook Islands, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies attended the presentation of new police radios from New Zealand Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura to Cook Islands Police Commissioner Teokotai Joseph. The radios will significantly aid police safety on the Cook Islands, and underscore the strength of cooperation and support between our two police forces.
You can find more images in the image gallery for the presentation to the Cook Islands Police.
Meitaki ma’ata to all the people of the Cook Islands for such a warm and generous welcome to your beautiful home for these days of celebration.