A Comparative study of Cook Islands social organisation in the Islands and in New Zealand

Abstract

This research paper has come about because of two primary reasons; (a) my own interest in learning more of the Cook Islands story, and (b) my concern with the inappropriate behaviour of 'outsiders' in their dealings with the Cook Islands community, its leaders and its protocol. In addressing the above I have divided this paper into three main areas of focus. Firstly I cover a general chronological history of the Cook Islands as found in Chapter 2 and give an illustration of the social organisation of Rarotonga, as found in Chapter 3. Secondly, in Chapter 4 I provide a New Zealand perspective by looking at the Cook Islands Community of Wellington. I give a brief outline of the history of the community and present Cook Islanders perceptions of their community in Wellington, which is dealt with in Chapter 5. Also provided is a listing of Cook Islands organisations in the Wellington region and key people. Thirdly, in Chapter 6 Cook Islanders of Wellington reflect on their country of origin. In the conclusion I look at the information and knowledge shared by those interviewed, and by members of the Wellington Cook Islands community. I identify the similarities and differences between Cook Islands social organisation in the islands and in New Zealand (Wellington). In my final statements I draw out the implications and the possible uses of this material for myself, the reader and more importantly for those inquisitive papa'a (Caucasian, of european descent) who represent those institutions that have a vested interest in Cook Islanders.