Where are the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific, located west of Tahiti and south east of Samoa and Tonga. The main island, Rarotonga, is 3000 kilometres north east of Auckland, New Zealand. Avarua (on Rarotonga) is the commercial and administrative centre. Local time is 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time and consequently 5 hours behind New York and 18 hours behind Hong Kong.

Are the Cook Islands an independent country?

Yes, the Cook Islands became fully self governing in 1965 under the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964. Prior to that date the islands had been a Protectorate of New Zealand since 1901. Government is elected democratically and headed by the Prime Minister and his cabinet of Ministers.

What legal system applies in the Cook Islands?

The legal system is based upon the principles of English common law and equity. The High Court of the Cook Islands was established under the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964 and is the superior Court of record. Appeals from the High Court lie to the Cook Islands Court of Appeal and to the Privy Council in England. Legal services are provided by local and New Zealand law firms.

How do I communicate with the Cook Islands?

Communications are excellent with continuous international telephone, telex and facsimile services available via satellite. Internet access is available. Daily air services operated by Air New Zealand provide Boeing 747 and 767 flights from Rarotonga to Los Angeles, Auckland, Tahiti, Hawaii and Fiji.

What is the financial system of the Cook Islands?

The primary local currency is the New Zealand dollar although most offshore business is conducted in US dollars. There are no restrictions on the movement of funds to or from the Cook Islands. Banking services are provided by Westpac Banking Corporation and the Australia & New Zealand Banking Group. Both banks have international networks of branches and agents to facilitate international financial transactions.

What offshore trust services does the Cook Islands offer?

The offshore legislation in the Cook Islands includes the International Companies Act 1981 -1982, the Trustee Companies Act 1981-1982, the International Trusts Act 1984, the Off-shore Insurance Act 1981-1982, the Off-shore Banking Act 1981, and the International Partnerships Act 1984.

The International Trusts Act 1984 (as amended) contains innovative statutory provisions for the protection of assets held under international trusts registered in the Cook Islands (see following article for further information). The trustee(s), beneficiaries and settlor of a Cook Islands International trust are exempt from any form of taxation or duty in the Cook Islands.

More detailed information is contained in our Cook Islands brochure.