The Governor-General of New Zealand, the Hon Anand Satyanand, will make his first official visit to the Cook Islands next week, reinforcing the close ties between the two South Pacific states.
The Cook Islands are part of the Realm of New Zealand, but since 1965 the 15 islands that make up the South Pacific state have been self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
The Governor-General and Her Excellency Susan Satyanand will arrive in Rarotonga on Wednesday 22 August and will leave on Saturday 25 August. During their stay, they will meet the Queens' Representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin, and the Prime Minister, the Hon Jim Marurai, and attend a series of formal meetings in Rarotonga. They will also attend the official opening of the Cook Islands Returned Services Associations' new Clubhouse and visit the island of Aitutaki.
The Cook Islands and New Zealand have a special constitutional relationship. The Cook Islands Government has full executive authority and the New Zealand Parliament cannot make laws for the Islands unless requested and authorised by its Parliament. While New Zealand retains responsibilities for the external affairs and defence of the Cook Islands, they can only be acted on at the request of and on behalf of the Cook Islands 'Government.
The Cook Islands and New Zealand have a common citizenship and currency. The 2006 Census revealed that 58,000 people of Cook Islands descent now live in New Zealand, up 10 percent on five years earlier.
The Governor-General said the Cook Islands and New Zealand had a special relationship.
"The relationship stretches back more than a century to 1901 and is now well founded on the principle of partnership. Many people of Cook Islands descent now call New Zealand home and they have given much to New Zealand, enriching our economy, culture and society. This visit is an opportunity to endorse the two-way ties between New Zealand and the Cook Islands."
For further enquiries contact:
Antony Paltridge
Government House
04-382-0827 or 021 470 583