Cook Islands Culture


Today, Cook Islands culture has eroded and is not nearly as traditional as neighbouring South Pacific countries. On the outer islands of atiu, mauke, mangaia and the northern atolls, traditions remain strong and still play a major part in the lifestyles of the people. However, on Rarotonga and Aitutaki, these traditions and respect for them, have all but faded away although a resurgence is slowly taking hold. The main reason for the depletion of traditional culture is its close association with New Zealand and frequent travel and living between the two countries.

The Cook Islands Maoris are of Polynesian descent and make up more than 90% of the population. Life on the islands is extremely laid back - subsistence farming prevails on the outer islands with tourism and service industries dominating on the main island of Rarotonga. New Zealand is the influencing force on Rarotonga - English is widely spoken, schools follow the New Zealand certificate and roads, hospitals and shops are of a high standard.

Traditional Cook Islands society is based on an association to a village and its chief. Chiefly titles, ariki, and land rights are passed through both the male and female lineage but to the discretion of the senior family member. Therefore, a disgraced family member may be given no land at all, whilst the favoured one will often win the prized family land. Land cannot be bought or sold and as most islanders want land on Rarotonga, it is common for those on the outer islands without land rights on Rarotonga to try to marry someone who does have land rights on Rarotonga.



The Cook Islands community is intricately woven often with large extended families living in a single house, or collection of houses. Both the elderly and children are respected being the knowledge and future of life. The term "cousin" is loosely used to describe someone with whom your family roots can be traced This can go back many generations. Tattooing of the body was traditionally used to symbolize ones family lineage and today this art form is just starting to become popular again. Kava, the traditional and spiritual drink of the Pacific, is no longer consumed in the Cook Islands. .

Today, Cook Islanders are devout Christians and Sunday is a day of rest and churchgoing. Singing in church is an evocative icon of the Cook Islands and a Sunday church service is well worth a visit. Most islanders are associated with the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) which most of the old attractive churches are, although new Christian denominations are widespread. Most islanders still bury their relatives in elaborate graves within the family garden as opposed to the church graveyard.


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