Everything you need to know about Cook Islands: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
The South Pacific Cook Islands with Polynesian Traditions
The tourist haven of Cook Islands were first discovered in 1773 by Captain Cook who named it Hervey Islands before the present name stuck in the 1820s. The Cook Islands is self-governed but in free association with New Zealand, which looks after its defence. The capital of Cook Islands is the Rarotonga Island, apart from this there are 14 other Islands, the prominent being the Aitutaki Island. The Cook Islands located in the South Pacific Ocean are well known for their Black Pearl export. The Cook Islanders trace their descent from a mixed Polynesian heritage including the Maori.
Cook Island Facts and Figures:Administration and Economy of Cook Islands:
Except for Defence the Parliamentary government of Cook Islands looks after all other matters. Apart from this there are hereditary councils known as the House of Ariki that govern the local traditions and customs of the various islands. A mayor heads each of these councils such as the Rarotonga council.
Black Pearls are the chief Cook Islands export apart from fishing, offshore banking and agriculture. However tourism is the main economic driver of the Cook Islands and every year thousands of tourists visit Cook Islands to experience the breath-taking beauty of islands like Aitutaki and Rarotonga.
Cook Islands Culture and Cuisine:
Owing to large tourist activity and New Zealand cultural influence, tradition has somewhat faded away in the southern Cook Islands of Aitutaki and Rarotonga whereas the relatively isolated northern islands have retained their traditional past. The Cook Islanders are largely of Maori Polynesian descent and live in big traditional joint families. Due to New Zealand’s cultural influence most of the Cook Islanders are Christian and regularly attend the Sunday mass. The Cook
Islanders love their music and Imene tuki is a popular Cook Island folk music.
Cook Island cuisine features some mouth-watering dishes. The breakfast mostly includes papaya and coconut in which lemon garnishing is a must. The Ungako or the shellfish is a local delicacy that is eaten raw or cooked. Other seafood include white crabs that are served with grated cheese and coconut garnishing
Cook Islands Tourist Attractions:
Cook Islands offer the perfect vacation spots that include beautiful beach villas in Aitutaki apart from holiday resorts like Sina’s Garden and the Maina Sunset motel to enjoy the scenic sunsets. The Muri beach in Rarotonga is a must visit for all the sunbathers. The Rarotonga Island also offers many other exotic sightseeing places that include the following:
London, May 25 (ANI): The footballer sun of Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has reportedly been cleared of the charges of sexually assaulting a drunken teenager.
Washington, May 25 (ANI): A 12-year-old Indian American from Plainville, Massachusetts, has emerged as the winner of this year's National Geographic Bee.
Washington, May 24 (ANI): Google has gathered images of the beauty and biological diversity of the Galapagos Islands for use on its Street View.
London, May 24 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has said that star batsman Kevin Pietersen is 'progressing well' during his recovery from knee injury for returning to the team in time for the Ashes.
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London, May 22 (ANI): Australia's ace spearhead Peter Siddle kick started an Ashes war of words by targeting England opener Nick Compton.
London, May 22 (ANI): Apple has been defending itself against accusations that it avoided paying tax on tens of billions of dollars in profits.
Washington, May 22 (ANI): Emerging evidence continues to point to a major cosmic impact 12,800 years ago as the primary cause for the tragic loss of nearly all of the remarkable large animals that had survived the stresses of many ice age periods, including mammoths, mastodons, giant ground sloths, American camel and horse, and saber- toothed cats.
London, May 21(ANI): Apple has been accused of evading taxes in UK by creating offshore entities that are not tax resident anywhere, a Senate committee has alleged.
Sydney, May 21 (IANS) Fiji's National Federation Party (NFP), comprising mostly of Indian-origin members, says it is ready for the elections scheduled for 2014 in that south pacific island nation.
Washington, May 21 (IANS) US Secretary of State John Kerry has expressed concern at global problems of discrimination and violence against religious groups, including Baha'is, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Sikhs besides increasing use of blasphemy and apostasy laws.
London, May 20 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has praised his bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, saying that the duo's combined strikeforce is a major help to his assault on world domination.
Washington, May 19 (ANI): An Australian scientist is planning an expedition to the Wessel islands in July and will revisit the location where five coins and an old map might reveal findings recreating Australia's history.
Washington, May 18 (ANI): Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has declined association with video-related clips that show him smoking cocaine.
Beijing, May 18 (Xinhua-ANI): China's Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai on Friday urged Washington to remain "truly neutral" on the Sino-Japanese territorial dispute in East China Sea by honoring its promise to "take no side."
Sydney, May 18 (ANI): Former England captain Andrew Strauss has said that it is important for England to have star batsman Kevin Pietersen fully fit for a successful Ashes series, even though he has a big ego.
Washington, May 17 (ANI): Most scientists agree that human activity is causing global climate change, according to an extensive analysis of the abstracts or summaries of scientific papers published over the past 20 years.
New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) Thursday approved the continued allocation of subsidised grain to above poverty line families during 2013-14 under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), an official statement said.
London, May 16 (ANI): England has won the toss and has decided to bat first in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's today.
Sydney, May 16 (ANI): The English bowling attack will be focusing more on swing in the Tests against New Zealand starting at Lord's on Thursday, according to England's bowlers.
Wellington, May 16 (ANI): Former England captain Geoffrey Boycott has said that the prospect of losing to New Zealand in the Test series is unthinkable for England, especially in the backdrop of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy and the five-Test Ashes in a packed summer of cricket.
Johannesburg, May 16 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has said that there is no chance that his team will underestimate New Zealand in the Test series which starts at Lord's on Thursday.
Sydney, May 15 (ANI): England plans to use the raised seam of the Duke Ball to challenge New Zealand batsmen during the two-Test series beginning this month.
Havana, May 15 (IANS) Boxers from 15 countries and regions, including Cuba, will compete in the 43rd Giraldo Cordova Cardin International Boxing Tournament to be held here June 4-9 at Ramon Fonst Arena.
New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday called upon the top brass of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to ensure timely implementation of measures envisaged under Phase-II of Coastal Security Plan and said construction of additional bases was necessary in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Laskshadweep to extend the country's operational reach.
New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony today called upon the top brass of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to ensure timely implementation of measures envisaged under Phase - II of Coastal Security Plan.
The Spice Boyz, crowned Windward Islands' football champions last month, climbed 20 spots to 121 in the global rankings and 16 in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football (CONCACAF).
London, May 14(ANI): An anonymous bidder has paid 6,05,000 dollars, the highest amount ever, for a half an hour meeting with Apple's chief Tim in a charity auction for celebrities' time.
London, May 14 (ANI): English wicketkeeper Matt Prior has confessed that he felt uncomfortable at being singled out as the player of the year for the 2012-13 season.
London, May 14 (ANI): England bowler Tim Bresnan is set to prove that he is back to his best in the squad for the Test series against New Zealand after undergoing elbow surgery, adding that he will not forced to play the role of a waiter carrying the drinks.
London, May 11 (ANI): English bowlers Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan have returned to the 12-man squad from injury for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
London, May 11 (ANI): English bowlers Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan have returned to the 12-man squad from injury for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's.
London, May 9 (ANI): A teenage girl was sexually assaulted by a group of arrogant footballers, including the son of a Premier League manager while she was slept in a town in Britain, jurors heard.
Tokyo, May 9 (ANI): Two scholars from a Chinese research center have suggested re-examining the ownership of the Japanese island chain that includes Okinawa.
Kingston, May 9 (IANS) Six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt won the 100 metres in an invitational track meet in the Cayman Islands.
Beijing, May 9 (IANS) China has reiterated its claim over disputed Diaoyu islands, stating that they are its "inherent territory".
Los Angeles, May 9 (IANS) Actress-model Rachael Leigh Cook is pregnant with her first child with actor-husband Daniel Gillies.
New York, May 06 (ANI): Selita Ebanks, has revealed that her mother relied on food stamps and the food pantry so that her kids never went hungry.
Beijing, May 5 (IANS) Chinese ships carried out their routine patrolling Sunday around the disputed Diaoyu Islands that are also claimed by Japan.
New York, May 5 (ANI): Two former members of Congress who heard five days of testimony this week are convinced about supposed UFO landings and a government conspiracy to cover them up.
Sydney, May 4 (ANI): England bowlers Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan are back in the side after recovering from elbow injuries, and are a part of the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which was named by the selectors on Friday.
London, May 3 (IANS) All-rounder Ravi Bopara returned to the England ODI squad as the selectors picked him up in the 15-man squad for the last ICC Champions Trophy 2013 commencing June 8. The same squad will also play in the three-match NatWest ODI series against New Zealand from May 31.
Washington, May 3 (IANS/RIA Novosti) American inmates will be shooting for checkmates against Russian prisoners this month in a first-of-its-kind intercontinental chess match between pawn pushers living behind bars in the two countries.
Kingston (Jamaica), May 2 (IANS/CMC) Sprint icon Usain Bolt has pulled out of this weekend's Jamaica Invitational with a hamstring strain.
London, May 2 (ANI): New Zealand has warned England not to treat them like warm-up 'hors d'oeuvre' ahead of the back-to-back Ashes, following their arrival in England for the upcoming Tests.
Beijing, May 1 (Xinhua-ANI): Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai said Tuesday that it is Japan, not China, that is taking "unilateral or coercive actions" on their islands dispute.
Beijing, Apr. 29 (Xinhua-ANI): Two cargo ships collided early Monday off southwestern Greece, with 10 crew members missing, the Greek coastguard said.
Moscow, April 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) In a first visit by a Japanese premier to Russia in a decade, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be undertaking an official visit from April 28-30 on an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tokyo, Apr. 27 (ANI): China has regarded the Japanese administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea as its core interest, China's foreign ministry has announced for the first time.
Sydney, Apr 26 (ANI): Australian bowlers have reportedly selected England captain Alastair Cook as their main target in the back-to-back Ashes series, as they believe that the loss of England's top batsman can see the their batting order stumble.
Washington, Apr 26 (ANI): Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to share Silicon Valley's most expensive cup of coffee, it has been revealed.
Sydney, Apr 25 (ANI): Australian cricket legend Steve Waugh has warned England not to take the Australians lightly, adding that England are not strong as they used to be and their top order is ripe to be exposed by Australia's young fast-bowling attack.
Melbourne, Apr 24 (ANI): The world's most expensive holiday will take two years and cost a staggering 1.5 million dollars, and one lucky traveller is about to embark on this very memorable trip.
New York, April 18 (ANI): Shakira has asked a judge to throw out a lawsuit from a former boyfriend, who has claimed that he was responsible for some of her songs and her brand.
London, April 17 (IANS) The funeral of Margaret Thatcher, Britain's only woman prime minister, was held Wednesday and was attended by Queen Elizabeth II, two heads of state and 11 prime ministers from across the world.
Miami, April 17 (IANS/CMC) Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell will head a number of committees in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association (CONCACAF), including the important Legal and Finance Group of Committees.
Beijing, April 16 (IANS) China Tuesday issued a white paper on national defence, elaborating on its new security challenges in times of peace and the diversified employment of its armed forces to cope with these challenges.
Beijing, April 16 (Xinhua-ANI): Japan must stop infringing upon Chinese territorial sovereignty, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense said on Tuesday.
Sydney, Apr. 16 (ANI): Celebrities have flooded Twitter expressing shock and concern over the Boston Marathon explosions.
Washington, Apr. 15 (ANI): The story of Kon-Tiki, a ship that sailed to prove the conventional migration theory wrong, is set to be told in a new film.
London, Apr 14 (ANI): England's limited-overs coach Ashley Giles has said that the hosts are in good shape to win the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, despite star batsman Kevin Pietersen's injury.
London, Apr. 12 (ANI): Argentina has reacted furiously at calls for the capital of the Falkland Islands to be renamed Port Margaret in honour of its liberator.
London, Apr 12 (ANI): Internet search engine Google has invited a new feature that would let people to contribute to its Map service.
London, April 11 (ANI): A new technique that introduces disease-blocking bacteria into mosquitoes may help halt the spread of diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and potentially malaria, according to scientists.
Margaret Thatcher, the first woman prime minister of Britain died on Monday at the age of 87 after suffering a stroke. Margaret Thatcher was admired as the "Iron Lady" and served Britain as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990 and was keeping herself away from public appearances due to degrading health. The news of her death came early morning.
London, April 8 (IANS) Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman prime minister who was admired as the "Iron Lady", died Monday after suffering a stroke. She was 87, media reports said.
London, Apr. 6 (ANI): Prince Philip cracked a saucy joke about stripping during his visit to a chocolate factory in Slough on Friday with the Queen.
Sydney, Apr 6 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook expressed confidence about his team's long-term success, saying that his team's dominance in the game may go through until the World Cup in two years.
London, Apr 6 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has dismissed criticism from former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh ahead of the upcoming Ashes and defended his team, saying that his team still remains a 'very good' cricket team.
Washington, April 5 (IANS) A group of international journalists which claims to have exposed hidden dealings of politicians, con artists and the mega-rich in more than 170 countries has so far revealed only one name from India.
Washington, April 4 (IANS) Hidden dealings of politicians, con artists and the mega-rich in more than 170 countries, including India, have been exposed by a group of international journalists sifting through a trove of 2.5 million secret files,
Sydney, Apr 4 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has said that England is ready to beat Australia during the Ashes series this year.
Tokyo, Apr. 4 (ANI): China has demanded that a trilateral summit it was scheduled to attend in late May in Seoul with Japan and South Korea be postponed.
Washington, April 4 (IANS) Drawing from a trove of 2.5 million secret files, a group of international journalists has exposed hidden dealings of politicians, con artists and the mega-rich in more than 170 countries, including India.
Washington, Apr. 3 (ANI): Apple's new iPhone, which is similar in size and shape to its current one, could be launched this summer.
London, Apr 3 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has warned his team that they cannot afford to 'fall asleep' and lose their focus ahead of the back-to-back Ashes series, following their near loss to New Zealand.
Mumbai, April 3 (IANS) Actress Priyanka Chopra, who lends her voice to the character Ishani in animated movie "Planes", says her character is strong, spirited, and a talented Indian racer.
Sydney, Apr 3 (ANI): England fast bowler Chris Tremlett has been named in the 30-man squad for the mid-year international season, including the back-to-back Ashes series.
Washington, Apr. 3 (ANI): Samoa Air has become the first airline in the world to charge passengers by weight.
Beijing, April 2 (IANS) Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has bowed to pressure from Chinese consumers who demanded an apology over the company's warranty policies in China, saying the company is sorry for any "concern or misunderstanding" in the country.
Washington, Apr 2 (ANI): Apple has issued an apology to its consumers in China after the tech giant's repair policies were slammed.
London, April 1 (ANI): Former England cricket captain Alec Stewart has said that the Alastair Cook-led national squad were out-batted, out-bowled and out-thought by New Zealand during their tour of that country.
Bridgetown (Barbados), March 28 (IANS/CMC) Jamaican businessman Dave Cameron has been elected president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), beating incumbent Julian Hunte in a close vote at the Annual General Meeting here.
London, Mar 28 (ANI): Former captain Steve Waugh has said Australia would certainly put up a good fight during this year's Ashes series in England, rejecting suggestions that on current form the tourists would be routed by the hosts.
London, Mar 28 (ANI): Legendary Sir Ian Botham has rubbed more salt on Australia's current cricketing wounds, claiming the young New Zealand side would provide much sterner challenge to England in their return Test series than the bleak Oz team in Ashes this year.
London, Mar 27 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has dismissed the suggestion that his team had failed to take the challenge presented by New Zealand seriously enough after the tourists had to rely on a collective rearguard action in the final Test to secure a draw in the match and the series.
London, Mar 26 (ANI): England's batting coach Graham Gooch said that the team has had a rude awakening during the New Zealand Test series, which was a draw, even as they prepare for the epic Ashes series this year.
Washington, Mar. 26 (ANI): Falkland Islands lawmakers have said they will not back down in the face of Argentina's efforts to claim the South Atlantic territory.
London, Mar 25 (ANI): The latest James Bond film 'Sky Fall' has won 3 awards at Jameson Empire Awards 2013 after missing out at Oscar and Bafta.
Wellington, Mar 25 (ANI): New Zealand's part time off spinner Kane Williamson took two wickets on day four of the third Test match against England in Auckland to help the hosts tighten their hold on the series-decider.
London, Mar 24 (ANI): Although admitting that England may be favourites to win the Ashes, spin great Shane Warne has told England captain Alastair Cook that his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke is a better batsman and captain than him.
London, March 23 (ANI): Harry Potter, Fifty Shades of Grey and The Bible have been named the most popular books of all time in British households, a new survey has revealed.
London, Mar 22 (ANI): Alastair Cook has said he is disappointed England's premier Test batsman Kevin Pietersen's season has been ended sooner than they would have liked, but the captain added the fact that he would miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) season could be a blessing in disguise for them ahead of the all-important Ashes series this year.
London, Mar. 22 (ANI): Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's papers have revealed that there was a wide division within the Conservative Party over how the government should respond to Argentina's invasion of the Falkland Islands.
Los Angeles, March 22 (IANS) "Mad Men" co-stars Alexis Bledel and Vincent Kartheiser confirmed that they share a romantic relationship and are getting engaged.
Sydney, Mar 21 (ANI): Taiwanese animators have followed the footsteps of English media by mocking Australian cricket's current turmoil in a new cartoon video.
Washington, Mar. 20 (ANI): The media and gossip blog Gawker has published former US President George W. Bush's email address, encouraging readers to send a message to the him on the 10th anniversary of Iraq war.
London, Mar.20 (ANI): Marine biologists have, for the first time, found a whale skeleton on the ocean floor near Antarctica, giving new insights into life in the sea depths. The discovery was made almost a mile below the surface in an undersea crater and includes the find of at least nine new species of deep-sea organisms thriving on the bones.
St. John's (Antigua) March 19 (IANS/CMC) Windward Islands opening batsman Devon Smith remains the leading run scorer ahead of the next round of matches in the Caribbean's four-day and Super 50 competitions.
London, Mar 19 (ANI): England captain Alastair Cook has claimed his team would look to finish off their brilliant winter season with a series win over New Zealand ahead of their final Test in Auckland, starting on Friday, after the first two matches ended in draw.
