The Cook Islands within the Realm: A Storm Cloud with No Rain?

Abstract

The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. It forms part of the Realm of New Zealand, a collective of states and territories shared colonial histories. However, the relationship between states like the Cook Islands have continued to become more complex. This paper will review the constitutional relationship between the Queen and the Cook Islands in the context of the Realm of New Zealand. It argues that the current constitutional settings between the Cook Islands and the Queen engenders a subordinance by the Cook Islands to New Zealand. This disadvantages the Cook Islands and undermines its right to self-governance and independence.