 | |
| Use | Civil andstate flag |
|---|---|
| Proportion | 1:2 |
| Adopted | 4 August 1979 |
| Design | A Blue ensign with a ring of fifteen white stars in the fly. |
Theflag of the Cook Islands, officially known as theCook Islands Ensign, is based on the traditional design for formerBritish colonies in thePacific region. It is ablue ensign containing theUnion Jack in the upper left, and on the right, fifteen stars in a ring.[1] The Union Jack is symbolic of the nation's historic ties to theUnited Kingdom and to theCommonwealth of Nations. The stars stand for the fifteen islands that make up the Cook Islands (Tongareva,Rakahanga,Manihiki,Pukapuka,Nassau,Suwarrow,Palmerston,Aitutaki,Manuae,Takutea,Atiu,Mitiaro,Mauke,Rarotonga andMangaia). The blue represents the ocean and the peaceful nature of the inhabitants.
A Federal Flag Bill was proposed in the Cook Islands Parliament in 1892, but was not assented to. The proposed flag had consisted of three horizontal stripes (red, white, red), with a Union Flag in the top left corner, overlaid by a black coconut palm tree on a white circle.[2] When the islands were annexed by New Zealand in 1901, the New Zealand flag was used instead.[2]
In 1973 a contest was held to design a new flag, with 120 entries. The winner was chosen at a meeting of the cabinet, judging panel and the flag design committee, a green ensign with 15 gold stars in a circle. The gold was to represent the "friendliness of Cook Islanders and their hope, faith, dedication, love and happiness";[2] the circle represented "unity and strength of purpose and the moulding of 15 islands into one united people";[2] the stars were "symbols of heaven, faith in god and the power that has guided Cook Islanders throughout their history";[2] and the green background was to represent the "nation, the vitality of the land and the people of the evergreen and lasting growth of the Cook Islands".[2] The new flag was raised for the first time on 24 January 1974.[3]
In 1979 it was replaced by the current flag.[4]
In December 2023, Prime MinisterMark Brown suggested that the national flag should be changed back to the 1973–1979 version, claiming that it would be better reflective of the Cook Islands' national colours and sovereignty.[5] In January 2024, Brown further suggested that the decision on the flag could be put to a referendum.[6]
Flag of the Kingdom of Rarotonga between 1888 and 1893[8]![Flag of the Cook Islands Federation from 1893 to June 11, 1901[citation needed]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aFlag_of_the_Cook_Islands_Federation.svg)
![Flag of the Cook Islands between June 11, 1901 and March 24, 1902[citation needed]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aFlag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg)
Flag of the Cook Islands between June 11, 1901 and March 24, 1902[citation needed]![Flag of the Cook Islands from March 24, 1902 to July 23, 1973[citation needed]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fen.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aFlag_of_New_Zealand.svg)
Flag of the Cook Islands from March 24, 1902 to July 23, 1973[citation needed].svg)
Flag of the Cook Islands from July 23, 1973 to August 4, 1979[9]
Flag of the Cook Islands from 1979–present[10].svg)
| National | | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | ||
| Associated states and territories | ||
| Ensigns |
| |
| Māori | ||
| Flag debate and proposals | ||
| Other | ||
