Cook Islands Māori

Who are the Cook Islands Māori?

Cook Islands Māori are the Indigenous Polynesian people of the Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands and atolls in the Pacific Ocean. Their culture and ancestry trace back to Tahitian settlers who arrived in the sixth century. While they share close ties with New Zealand Māori and Tahitian Mā'ohi, Cook Islands Māori have developed their own language and cultural traditions. Today, their community is spread across the Cook Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, bound together by shared ancestry, language, and customs.

Where do the Cook Islands Māori live?

The Cook Islands are located in Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. The islands are scattered over a vast area and include both volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls. The land supports farming and fishing, and the surrounding ocean is central to life and culture. While only a small proportion of Cook Islands Māori now live on the islands, the homeland remains a cultural and spiritual center for the people.

What language do the Cook Islands Māori speak?

Cook Islands Māori, also known as Māori Kūki 'Āirani, is an Eastern Polynesian language closely related to New Zealand Māori but distinct. It is one of the two official languages of the Cook Islands. Other languages spoken include English, Penrhyn, Rakahanga-Manihiki, and Pukapukan. While many Cook Islands Māori speak English, their own language remains a key part of their identity.

How do the Cook Islands Māori live?

Traditionally, Cook Islands Māori relied on farming and fishing, using the fertile land and rich ocean resources. Crafts and weaving are also important, with skills passed down through generations. Today, many Cook Islands Māori work in wage jobs, especially those living in New Zealand and Australia, but traditional livelihoods remain important in the islands.

How is Cook Islands Māori society organised?

Cook Islands Māori society is shaped by Polynesian traditions, with strong family ties and community networks. Extended families and kinship groups play a central role in daily life and decision-making. While the sources do not detail clan or chiefly systems, shared ancestry and cultural practices help maintain social cohesion across the diaspora.

What do the Cook Islands Māori believe?

Most Cook Islands Māori are Christian, with the Cook Islands Christian Church being the largest denomination. Other Protestant groups and Catholics are also present. Religious life is important in the community, with church gatherings and festivals playing a key role. Traditional arts, music, and crafts continue to be practiced, reflecting both ancient and modern influences.

The history of the Cook Islands Māori

The ancestors of Cook Islands Māori arrived from Tahiti in the sixth century, settling the islands and developing a distinct culture. Over time, they maintained connections with other Polynesian peoples. In recent decades, migration has led most Cook Islands Māori to live in New Zealand and Australia. The Cook Islands remain self-governing in free association with New Zealand, and issues of citizenship and nationality continue to shape their modern history.

Cook Islands Māori life today

Today, only about 15–17% of Cook Islands Māori live in the Cook Islands, with most residing in New Zealand and Australia. They are New Zealand citizens, and debates about passports and nationality reflect ongoing discussions about identity and autonomy. The community maintains its language and culture, facing challenges of migration and cultural preservation.

Questions people ask about the Cook Islands Māori

Sources and further reading

• Cook Islanders on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Cook Islands Māori themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.