The Daily press and the Cook Islands, 1945-63

Abstract

The intention of this thesis is primarily to examine the performance of a mass media in relation to a particular subject. In this case, the mass media referred to is the daily press, as represented by the New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star. It is also hoped that this will throw some light on important developments in the Cook Islands during the period studied, 1945-63. Academically, the subject chosen is of particular interest. By law, the Cook Islands are an integral part of New Zealand just as Taranaki is, but, in fact, this is not so. Thus, special problems have faced New Zealand in its administration of the Group. Further, it involves the development of a territory from a colonial subservience to a point where it is considered ready economically, socially and politically to achieve self-government. The years between 1945 and 1963 have been selected because during this period these developments took place. They are probably among the most momentous in the history of the Group.