DESCRIPTION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY LOGO

Cook Islands 50th Anniversary Logo

The circle characterises – our shared journey of nationhood. It also depicts unity – the key ingredient which will ensure that our journey is one which will progress all of us as a people and a nation.

The logo symbolises the ‘pito’ – the umbilical cord. This signifies the birth of a person and application to the founding of our nation from its infancy and its growth. It also represents connection - the connection of our people to our God, our land, our ocean, and to
each other.

The 16 ‘manutai’, are the traditional ‘ara matangi’ – the wind directions that have scattered our people across the globe. This serves to remind us that our development should not be restricted to our geographical boundaries and that our people abroad are an important part of our nation. The Cook Islands is made up of its people and our people are global. The ‘manutai’ facing outwards portrays continual growth – our need to continuously strive for progress that will be beneficial for our country and people.

The fifteen ‘mou rima’ in a circle further emphasises the need for unity and the linkages that our islands and peoples share. Only through the holding of hands and togetherness can we find strength as a people and a nation.

In the centre is the ‘Matariki’ constellation of stars. This is referred to by some of our islands as ‘Mata Ariki’ – the eyes of God. This reminds us that our belief in God is the foundation of our nation. Matariki also serves as a principal constellation for traditional navigation and direction, cautioning us that we must always seek God’s guidance, direction and blessing in our nation’s journey. We are all born under the stars of Matariki and we all share the journey of the Cook Islands.