The GETTING ORGANISED FOR YOUR DESTINATION HOLIDAY TO THE COOK ISLANDS

General Information A newly built international airport in means the Cook Islands are well-equipped for two global airlines – Air and .

Entry Requirements When you come to the Cook Islands, a valid and a return ticket will allow you a stay of up to 31 days. Extensions may be granted on a monthly basis – for up to five months. New Zealand citizens automatically qualify for a 90 day stay. For extensions, apply 2 weeks before your permit expires.

Vaccinations & Visa No Vaccinations are required. Entry Visa is not required.

Customs on Arrival With the Cook Islands’ close ties to New Zealand, personal effects including sports equipment and clothing are exempt from duty. Duty Free items include:  200 cigarettes or 250gms of tobacco or 50 cigars or a mixture of not more than 250 grams in total  Two litres of mixture/ ornot of spirits, wine and liquer OR 4.5 litres of beer  Goods in excess of NZ$250 are liable for duty Any food items must be declared on arrival. For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.ck

Departure Tax There is no departure tax payable at the airport as this is included in your international tickets.

Local Air Transport The Southern Group of the Cook Islands is connected regularly by the local airline, , with having several daily return flights. However travel to the Northern Group is infrequent and usually only on request.

Medical Services A range of medical and dental services are available in Rarotonga which also includes a hospital. Aitutaki and also have limited medical aid with very small hospitals.

Emergency services operate on Rarotonga and there is an optometrist plus several pharmacies for prescriptions. Physiotherapists are also available for you to take advantage of while in the Cook Islands. Medical and dental services are available and there is a well-equipped hospital with New Zealand trained staff situated in Rarotonga, with a smaller hospital in Aitutaki. There are no venomous snakes and most of the insects are innocuous - but look out for centipedes which do bite. The reefs should be treated with caution.

Currency The Cook Islands’ unit of currency is the New Zealand dollar, supplemented by notes and coinage for local use. The unique local coins and notes are not negotiable outside the Cook Islands, but are keenly sought by collectors worldwide.

Banking ANZ and Westpac Banks in downtown are open Mon-Fri from 9am – 3pm. ANZ extends its closing time on Friday’s to 4pm whilst Westpac Bank opens from 9am-12pm on Saturdays. Westpac Bank has an exchange service available at the airport for all international flights; this is located at the International Arrivals Terminal.

ATM’s are conveniently located around Rarotonga and Aitutaki and EFTPOS is available at some hotels and stores. Western Union has an office in Avarua offering money exchange and transfers.

Climate The Cook Islands enjoy a pleasantly warm and sunny climate all year round. June to August are the cooler months, whilst November to March marks the warmer season, with occasional tropical showers expected. It is also known as cyclone season – something to be aware of although not necessarily a deterrent as they are not a regular occurrence.

The drier months, from April to November, have an average of about 26°C, whilst the warmer, more humid and damp season runs from December to March. During this season the temperature ranges between 22°C (min) and 30°C (max).

The table below indicates the prevalence of sunshine and temperatures. Severe weather is rare and infrequent.

Month Temp. (°C) Hours Max Min Sunshine

Jan 28.8 22.9 179 Feb 29.1 23.1 171 Mar 28.9 22.6 181 Apr 28.2 22.0 174 May 26.6 20.4 162 Jun 25.6 19.3 169 Jul 25.2 18.6 177 Aug 24.9 18.4 177 Sep 25.3 19.1 177 Oct 26.0 20.0 185 Nov 27.1 21.0 178 Dec 27.8 21.9 181

Driving The standard left hand rule applies to driving in the Cook Islands. And the maximum speed limit in the villages and town is 30km/h with 50km/h in the less populated areas. It is essential to have a current Drivers Licence. Visitors from Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, UK and the EU can now drive in the Cook Islands for up to six months using their overseas license. Visitors over 16 can drive in the Cook Islands on their current and full overseas license for up to six months, unless the license expires, is revoked, suspended or disqualified in that time.

Visitors will be allowed to drive only the class of motor vehicle they are entitled to drive in their home country. If visitors hold an overseas driving license for a car only, the license holder will only be permitted to drive a car in the Cook Islands.

However, if a visitor wants to ride a scooter or motorbike in the Cook Islands and is not licensed to do so at home, he or she will still have to obtain a Cook Islands Driving License (either Class A covering motorbikes/scooters or Class AB covering both regular vehicles and motorbikes/scooters). This involves a practical test at the Police Headquarters in Avarua and the payment of NZ$20 license fee plus NZ$5 practical fee. Visitors whose license is written in a language other than English will need an accurate translation.

Road rules are strict when it comes to drinking and driving, so best not to.

Communication If you are a stamp collector, the colourful Cook Islands stamps are distinctive and sought after by enthusiasts. Mail is available from the Post Office, which opens Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Telepost, a Telecom outlet located at the CITC Shopping Complex, is open every Saturday 8am – 12 noon.

International telephone, mobile telephone, facsimile and internet services (including Broadband) are available through Telecom Cook Islands. Several internet cafes are located on Rarotonga and Aitutaki . WiFi is available at key locations and resorts.

Language Cook Islands Maori is the local language but everyone also speaks English. Here are a few local words you might like to try during your visit: Kia Orana Hello Aere ra Goodbye Meitaki Thank you ae yes kare no tane man vaine woman mataora happy kai food teia ra today apopo tomorrow ra sun marama moon

Voltage and frequency You can use your electric appliances in the Cook Islands, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220V - 240V (as in the UK, , Australia and most of Asia and Africa). Manufacturers take these small deviations into account. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100V - 127V (as in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you need a power converter. To be sure, check the label on the appliance. If it states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', it can be used in all countries of the world (like chargers for tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes). If the frequency in the Cook Islands (50 Hz) differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances, but you can try at your own risk. Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks and electric fan heaters.

Power sockets and plugs In the Cook Islands the power sockets used are of type I:

Type I

Geography The Cook Islands are "hidden" in a vast expanse of the South Pacific ocean roughly 3,000 kms (1,867 miles) north east of New Zealand and 4,725 kms (2,936 miles) south of Hawaii. The country is actually 15 separate islands...nine in the Southern Group and six in the Northern Group, and they're defined geographically as between 156-167° West and 8-23° South. Two of the islands - and - are uninhabited.

They're spread across 2.2 million square kilometres (nearly 850,000 square miles) of water, which is an area the size of India. And the whole of those territorial waters are also the world's largest designated whale and shark sanctuary. 1,433 kms (891 miles) separates the most northerly island () from the most southerly ().

The Flag The Constitution of the Islands explains the flag: BLUE - is the colour most expressive of our Nation, it is representative of the vast area of the Pacific Ocean in which the islands of the Cook Islands are scattered. Blue also depicts the peaceful nature of the inhabitants of our islands. THE UNION JACK indicates our historical association with and membership of the British Commonwealth. The 15 WHITE STARS represent the 15 islands of the group.

Time Zone The islands are 10 hours behind GMT. Daylight saving time is not observed - in other words, the clock doesn't go back or forward at any time.

Government and Head of State Parliamentary democracy based on the UK model. Officially the Islands are an independent nation in free association with New Zealand. They gained independence on 4 August, 1965. The free association agreement means: The Cook Islands Government has full executive powers

 The Cook Islands can make its own laws and New Zealand cannot make laws for the country unless authorised by Government  keep New Zealand citizenship

The Monarch is represented by former deputy prime minister, Tom Marsters. His official title is "HM the Queen's Representative in the Cook Islands". The Cook Islands remains part of the and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State of the Cook Islands.

People The population 14,974 according to the latest (2011) census, 73.6% (10,572) live on Rarotonga, and 20.2% in the rest of the Southern Group of islands. Just 6.2% live on the six Northern Group islands where the population is declining most rapidly. Manuae and Takutea are deserted. Ethnic Diversity - Polynesian, 81%. Mixed Polynesian, 16%. European, 2%. Other, 1%.

Religion The dominant religion of and the Cook Islands is . The missionaries arrived in 1821 and quickly uprooted the old animistic worship of tribal gods and idols. Their success was much quicker than in the Marquesas and .

How safe is the Cook Islands? From insects and animals it is VERY safe. There are no wild animals or snakes or poisonous spiders. The Cook Islanders are a gentle race. There are very few (if any) places that you would be advised against visiting. Cook Islanders are basically a giving, honest people. As with the societies, there may be exceptions, but they will be exceptions. Common sense precautions against theft should be taken just as you would at home. It is wise to lock away cash, jewellery and other valuables in a hotel or your room safe. All that said, crime is still relatively rare.

Dress Code Informal cool and comfortable is the rule. Brief attire is not acceptable in town or villages. Nude or topless sunbathing is prohibited. A respectable standard of dress is required for church services.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: You really don't need a lot of clothes. Dinner out is pretty casual and a swim suit takes care of most days. Sandals and running shoes for walks maybe shoes but usually the resorts supply these.

Cook Island Black Pearls The Black Lipped Mother of Pearl Shell is indigenous to the of the Cook Islands and lagoons of . Today the Cook Islands are the centre of the world's pearl industry. The modern day pearl farming is based in the beautiful azure lagoons of and Penrhyn in the Northern Group. Originally the pearls were farmed for their large size and fabulous colour. Black pearl shell was used mainly for inlays in furniture and buttons. It was by accident that large black pearls were sent to the aristocracy of Europe to be incorporated in to royal jewellery. Hence the era of the black pearl was born. Black pearls are farmed commercially and producing just one pearl takes an investment of up to five years of hard work between man and nature. When buying pearls it is advisable to ensure that the seller supplies a certificate of authenticity. There are generally five criteria which are taken into account when determining the grade and value of the black pearl. Size, colour, lustre, shape and surface. Most of the shops are owned by the families that farm the pearls. They can advise you on your black pearl purchases.

Local Culture The Cook Islands culture is moulded by its Polynesian heritage mixed with a European influence. A melange of magical mystical islands shrouded in legends of romance and piracy, escapades and hidden treasures, all of which have shaped the traditions and customs that give the Cook Island people their own unique identity.

Tipping Tipping is not expected in the Cook Islands nor is it customary. In other words – a kind word is appreciated as much as a dollar is.

The Call of the Drum Stories abound of marauding tribes, romantic liaisons between ill-fated clans, seafaring adventures and cultural clashes. But what defines the Cook Islanders from their neighbours is the call of the drum. Considered some of the best – arguably the finest – entertainers in the Pacific, Cook Islanders come by this reputation honestly. The art, skill and grace of their dancing and their drumming take you on a spiritual journey as anyone who has experienced the traditional Ura will verify. Based on legends that relate through body movement and music, stories of love, desire, hurt and passion they reflect a cultural heritage that is alive and beating strong.

Music of the Cook Islands The call of the drum is loudest in the Cook Islands – the rhythmic pounding of a tattoo on hollowed out tree trunks is a talent taught from childhood. Music is a part of life, from the chants and songs of the Kaparima, hymns heard harmoniously echoing in the hallows of the churches; from the choirs on Sunday to the string bands and their combos of electronic and traditional ukuleles made from shells that pulsate from the night clubs all over this part of the Cook Islands.

Numerous festivals throughout the year reflect this talent. There are many competitions held annually where the competitive spirit between each island comes to the fore. Regular international awards are a testament to this phenomenal talent.

Arts and Crafts Then there are the arts and crafts. Considered as some of the finest artists and carvers in the Pacific, it's the decorative wood carvings, tattoos and tapa cloth designs which have a distinctive Cook Islands touch. The missionaries considered tattooing to be taboo in the mid 1800s, but fortunately it survived and is re-emerging in fine tradition. Designs and motifs are derived from heritage and ancient lore and are worn with pride, symbolising one’s traditional inheritance.

Wood carving is revered. The Tangaroa is the symbol of the Cook Islands and a favourite subject. Many wonderful examples are found in the museums along with other replica wood carvings like huge hollowed out bowls, story boards and war clubs as well as the inevitable spears and fish hooks. According to folklore, the ancient islanders carved the poles of their huts, their canoes and of course their weapons. The patterns used are much the same as those for tattooing, tapa and indicating family symbols.

Weaving, particularly of baskets, is a traditional part of life. Pandanus, or kikau and coconut fibre, are the most commonly used materials. But rito is probably the most highly prized. Baskets were used for everything from collecting shellfish, for fishing, carrying crops and putting in the umu in the old days. Then of course there were sandals, fishing nets, ropes and eel traps out of sinnet – another part of the coconut tree. Roofs from rauara were the norm, later kikau replaced it. The hats, fans and mats from both pandanus and rito are true treasures of the Cook Islands.

Many of the handicrafts have their own unique history. The shell and seed hat bands from Mangaia for instance, while the finely woven pandanus mats from are renowned for their intricate and delicate finish. The rito hat – desired by many a visitor – is also a vital part of every Cook Island woman’s wardrobe. Tivaevae, particularly from Atiu, are intricately made bedspreads demonstrating a unique form of patchwork.

Painting, a legendary island art form, is prevalent and popular. With a relaxed lifestyle, the Cook Islands is a haven of inspiration for artists. Highly valued works, inspired by traditional island elements but with contemporary creativity, are found in the form of oils, portraits sketches and water colours.

Also of value are the hand printed designs of pareus and mu-mus derived from carved wooden boards depicting traditional patterns, along with flora and fauna and sea life that are so typical of the islands. In natural dyes, this unique form of printing is a boutique craft gaining admiration globally.

Polynesian identity is found everywhere in the Cook Islands – in museums and galleries, in restored sites and in everyday life. A true indication of the innate artistic spirit contained in the body of every Cook Islander.

History This melange of magical and mystical Cook Islands is shrouded in traditions and legends handed down from generation to generation since the arrival of the - believed to be around 800AD. The Northern Group of islanders are thought to be from and and the Southern Group largely from the Society Islands and the Marquesas; and are part of what was believed to be the last great wave of Polynesian migration from Asia, which began as far back as 1500BC.

It was also around 800 to 1000AD that in the Society Islands became established as the centre of culture and religion in the Pacific and dispatched voyagers to Hawaii, the Tuamotu

Archipelago and also the Cooks, to rule over the islands. It was they who brought the religion, cultural traditions, medicine and the language – which was Maori.

Born of the Sea Our History Cook Islanders are born of the sea. True Polynesians are known as the finest seafarers of the Pacific, voyaging across its huge waters searching for new lands and beginnings. Their bravery, skill and sheer strength far outpace those of the legendary adventurers from Portugal or Spain, the Dutch or the English.

The navigational proficiency of the first Polynesians is an intrinsic part of their gene pool. Not surprising considering their natural playground of the Pacific. The popularity of canoeing and paddling today reflect the times of the great vakas landing on the islands’ shores and as such are regarded as sports that are a rightful part of their inheritance.

Closely linked in culture and language to the Maori in New Zealand, the Maohi of French Polynesia, the Rapuni of and the Kanaka Maoli of Hawaii – about 87% of Cook Islanders are Polynesian Cook Island Maori.

Although, those in the northernmost island of Pukapuka regard their heritage to be more connected to the Samoan people. And most of the Cook Islanders do have some other ancestry brought about by the European voyagers that have landed on the shores. For instance Palmerston, with its unique history and English genealogy, is English speaking thanks to William Marsters. Pukapuka has its own language which is similar to Samoan rather than Maori. Naturally, most of the inhabited islands have their own accent and dialect.

Great Entertainers of the Pacific It is the natural charm of the Cook Island people that lures visitors in. Friendly, high-spirited and welcoming – they are the great entertainers of the Pacific and regarded as the best dancers and drummers in Polynesia. Festivals are an important part of the annual calendar, where the competition between the islands to produce the most outstanding performers is part of the national pride.

Constitution Day is remarkable, but the most exuberant of all is the Te Maeva Nui Festival at which a multiplicity of performances, including dancing, drumming, singing, float parades, competitions and other cultural and sports events occur. This festival draws in crowds of people from all the outer islands and the rest of the world.

Strong Family Bonds The inherent traits of genuine care for others and love of family are apparent no matter the island background. The bond of family is vital and everyone is a part of a clan that is connected to the tribal chiefs (ariki).

Land and title inheritance also come from the same gene pool, which has influenced the way of life for centuries. Reunions, marriages, births and deaths are marked as special family occasions which ensure a continuation of the bloodlines.

Extended family is an integral part of the Cook Island existence with children often living with grandparents and nephews and nieces living with aunts and uncles. Adoption of family members is also

widely encouraged. So knowing where you fit in the family tree is a vital part of being a member of a Cook Island dynasty.

Ariki Influence The ariki who ruled in pre-European times are still regarded as the leaders and their titles earn them respect throughout the Cook Islands. As the first to adopt Christianity, it was their influence which encouraged the Cook Islanders to adopt the faith. It was also their approval which helped establish the British and New Zealand colonial rule.

Queen Makea’s popularity is legendary for introducing great export prices and cutting the national debt. It led to her becoming an ariki after which four of the five in Rarotongawere women. Even with the introduction of democracy and self rule, the traditional system is one that provides a strong safety net for the vagaries of political variances.

All of the inhabited outer islands have island councils – each with their own mayor – except which is governed by Pukapuka and which, with its caretaker-only status and also governed by Pukapuka, is not really counted as an inhabited island in this context.

Mataiapo The Mataiapo is also a hereditary chiefly title and as heads of sub-tribes, they are subject to the ariki as far as the entire tribe is concerned and owe traditional allegiance. Otherwise they are largely independent as their own family group heads and assist the ariki in land matters and traditional ceremonies.

Traditionally they were appointed by the ariki in recognition of their ability and service as were the rangatira – also a sub-chief – and in ancient times were usually the brothers and sisters of the ariki.

Allure of the Islands The Cook Islanders, like any true blooded Maori, enjoy pomp, splendour and big ceremonies with traditional customs and much feasting – an investiture is no exception.

Despite a strong exodus to New Zealand and Australia particularly, which has left a population of around 11,000, the Cook Islanders’ customs and traditions are an intrinsic part of daily life – making hospitality and a warm welcome a natural occurrence.

The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands themselves is matched by the friendliness of the people who think nothing at all of offering a lift, striking up a conversation on the beach or extending an invitation to dinner. Embedded in the culture, and consequently the people, this outgoing spirit is a celebration of the fact that something as uncomplicated as a warm smile is always there – underlining the allure of the Cook Islands.

Cook Islanders regard themselves first and foremost as true Polynesians connecting directly back to the finest seafarers of the vast Pacific. It is due to their sophisticated navigation that took them fearlessly through vast ocean tracts in search of new lands that the Cook Islands came into being.

Positioned at the very centre of Polynesia, the Cook Islands stretch out in a scattering of 2 million square kilometres. Each island has its special place within the group. But their origins are owed to the Polynesians who arrived in Rarotonga around 800 AD. These ancient voyagers had set sail from

Tupua’i, now French Polynesia.

Websites of Interest and More Facts www.ck http://www.ck/culture.htm#dance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rarotonga http://wikitravel.org/en/Rarotonga http://www.ck/travel.htm Search – “photos cook islands”

Books

An Island to Tom Neale 1966 Collins, London Autobiography of hermit's Oneself stay on Suwarrow (Detailed, a little dull).

Doctor to the Tom and Lydia Bost., Little, Brown Autobiography (Thorough, Islands Davis 1954. interesting)

Isles of the Ronald Syme 1975 Autobiography (Expatriate Michael Joseph Ltd, London. Frigate Bird Brit, interesting)

Island Boy Tom Davis 1992. Institute of Pacific Studies Autobiography (Authentic, interesting)

Miss Ulysses from Johnny Frisbie 1948. Autobiography Pukapuka

Sir Albert Henry Kathleen Hancock Methuen Publications NZ, . Biography (Politics, history) 1979

South Seas Julian Hillas (aka Robert Hale Ltd, London. Autobiography Paradise Julian Dashwood) (Quirky, opinionated, 1965 amusing)

The Frisbies of the Johnny Frisbie 1961. Robert Hale Ltd, London. Autobiography (Robert South Seas Frisbie's daughter's memoirs)

The Lagoon is Ronald Syme 1978. Millwood Press Ltd, Wellington. Autobiography (Expatriate Lonely Now Brit's lament)

Wild Life Among E.H. Lamont 1867. 1994 Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the the Pacific South Pacific, Rarotonga and the Tongareva

Islanders Community and Development Trust, Penrhyn.

Music and Dance https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB187E9A96CEE9B9D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQin3x3XHJI