Coat of arms of the Cook Islands explained

Coat of arms of the Cook Islands
Middle:Emblem of the Cook Islands Federation.svg
Middle Width:250
Middle Caption:Emblem of the Cook Islands Federation
Armiger: in Right of New Zealand
Supporters:Flying fish (maroro) and white tern (kakaia)

The coat of arms of the Cook Islands has a shield as its focal point. The shield is blue with fifteen white stars arranged in a circle, as found on the national flag, and is supported by a flying fish (maroro) and a white tern (kakaia). The helmet is an ariki head-dress (pare kura) of red feathers, symbolising the importance of the traditional rank system, and the name of the nation is on a scroll below the shield. The achievement is augmented by a cross and a Rarotongan club (momore taringavaru) used by orators during traditional discourses, respectively symbolizing Christianity and the richness of Cook Islands' tradition, placed in saltire behind the shield.[1]

The coat of arms was designed by Mataiapo Metuakore Teremoana Ngametua Tutakiao Kora, also known as Papa Motu Kora.[1] [2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Description of the Cook Islands Coat of Arms . Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104811/http://www.pmoffice.gov.ck/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105&Itemid=105 . March 4, 2016.
  2. Web site: Coat of Arms designer Papa Motu Kora laid to rest . Melina Etches . Cook Islands News . 16 March 2021 . 26 June 2024.