KAP. 4.

employment. In 1982 there were about 24,500 in New Zealand compared
to about 20,000 in 1977 and 4499 in 1961. The largest communities
of islanders are in Auckland and timber mill towns.
Religion. The London Missionary Society was the pioneer in educational
and missionary effort in the Islands. Evanglisation began at
Aututaki in 1821 and, with some setbacks spread through the group,
guided by Rev. John Williams. For many Cook Islanders the most
respected early Christian teacher was Papeiha, a Raiatean, who introduced
the gospel to Aitutaki in 1821, and Rarotonga in 1823. Many
Cook Islanders were sent away in the early days as native pastors to
Samoa, the New Hebrides, Papua and elsewhere. The church is still a
powerful influence.
About 69 per cent belong to the Cook islands Christian Church
(formerly the LMS); about 15 per cent are Roman Catholic and the
remaining 16 per cent Seventhday Adventist, Latter Day Saints, etc.
Lifestyle. Generally, the outer islanders continue to live in extended
families with the traditional communal pattern of living. In Rarotonga,
lifestyle more closely follows a European style.
Recreation. Favourite pursuits follow Polynesian tradition and include
feasting, music-making and dancing. There is also frequent participation
in church meetings. Sports include cricket, tennis, rugby,
lawn bowls, netball, boxing, golf, sailing and athletics. There is also a
fishing club.
GOVERNMENT. The islands formally became part of New Zealand
on 11 June 1901. The gained internal self-government in 1965, and
after the first general elections held in April 1965 voted to remain in
free association with New Zealand. The latter, with the Cook Islands
government, assumes responsibilities in external affairs and defence.
Legislature. The Parliament of the Cook Islands established under a
written Constitution consists of 24 members each representing a separate
constituency. The constituencies are Rarotonga 9; Aitutaki 3;
Mangaia 3; Atiu 2; one each in Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn,
Pukapuka and Rakahanga. Under amendments to the Constitution in
1981, which extended the life of Parliament from four to five years, a
constituency was created in New Zealand to give Cook Islanders living
there representation in Parliament. The Constitution is the supreme
law and Parliament alone has power to amend or repeal it upon a twothirds
majority vote.
Executive. Executive authority is vested in the ruling monarch of
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