The Cook Islands Federation was created in 1891,[1] after the Kingdom of Rarotonga was given the island of Aitutaki. It lasted until 1901, when it was given to New Zealand.[2]
Geography
The Cook Islands Federation was made up of the islands of the southern group of the Cook Islands - Rarotonga, Mangaia, and Aitutaki - and the Nga-Pu-Toru - Atiu, Mauke, and Mitiaro.[3]
A stamp issued by the Cook Islands Federation
Law
The laws of the Cook Islands Federation were made by the local parliament, however, they had to receive approval from a Resident from Britain.[3] In 1894, the Parliament pronounced a declaration on land, detailing Māori custom on land tenure, and stating that those customs could only be changed by each island's respective council.[4]
^"ISLAND FEDERATION". New Zealand Herald. 6 June 1891. p. 5. Retrieved 8 August 2023 – via Papers Past.
^New Zealand law journal (53rd ed.). Wellington, New Zealand: Butterworths. p. 358. OCLC1760288.
^ ab"RARATONGAN PARLIAMENT". New Zealand Herald. 22 June 1891. p. 5. Retrieved 8 August 2023 – via Papers Past.
^"PRIMITIVE LAND TENURE". New Zealand Mail. No. 1175. 7 September 1894. p. 33. Retrieved 8 August 2023 – via Papers Past.
^ abA Compilation of Acts and Instruments Relating to the Government of the Cook and Other Islands, Together with an Appendix Containing the Former Laws of Rarotonga and Niue. Palala Press. September 2015. p. 98. ISBN9781341057465.
24Claimed in 1908; territory formed 1962; overlaps portions of Argentine and Chilean claims, borders not enforced but claim not renounced under the Antarctic Treaty.
