# Cook Islands becomes self-governing (4 August 1965)

URL: https://allhistories.com/newzealand/timeline/1965-cook-islands-becomes-self-governing
Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Themes: Wars & Conflict

The Cook Islands becomes a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand, with Albert Henry as its first premier. Cook Islanders keep New Zealand citizenship, and New Zealand remains responsible for defence and foreign affairs on request. Migration to New Zealand continues to grow. The constitution is approved by Cook Islanders in an election supervised by the United Nations.

## Why it matters
Free association created a new constitutional model in the Pacific and deepened lasting family ties between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Ruler at the Time: [Bernard Fergusson, Baron Ballantrae](https://allhistories.com/newzealand/rulers/bernard-fergusson-baron-ballantrae)

Prime Minister: Keith Holyoake (National)
Sovereign: Elizabeth II (House of Windsor)
Māori King: Korokī Mahuta

## Sources
- [Wikipedia - Cook Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_Islands)
- [Wikipedia - Politics of the Cook Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_Cook_Islands)
- [NZHistory - Cook Islands achieves self-government](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/cook-islands-achieves-self-government)
- [Wikipedia - Post-war New Zealand (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_New_Zealand)