Prime Minister Mark Brown hosted a State Dinner on 4 August to mark the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, welcoming national dignitaries, regional leaders and international partners to an evening of reflection and celebration.
Held in Rarotonga following the official Constitution Day ceremony, the State Dinner brought together national leaders from the Pa Enua, the Ui Ariki, the Church, Government and the private sector, alongside representatives from 37 countries, including diplomatic partners from across the Pacific, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to His Excellency the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, who also celebrated his 80th birthday that evening, and warmly welcomed Her Excellency the Governor-General of Aotearoa New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro and Dr Richard Davies, as symbolic of the enduring partnership between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
He also acknowledged the presence of fellow Pacific leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Niue; the President of French Polynesia; the Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia; and diplomatic representatives from the United States, China, Japan, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and many more.
“Our partnerships matter. They help us achieve our development aspirations and respond to the challenges of our time,” said the Prime Minister. “We will continue to engage with the world, with principle, with purpose, and with pride in who we are.”
The dinner echoed the themes of the Prime Minister’s national address, celebrating the strength of Cook Islands identity and the importance of genuine international partnerships in advancing the country’s development journey. Framed by the 60th anniversary theme, Kua kite au i toku turanga, e Avaiki toku – I know who I am, I have a homeland, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s confidence and unity.
“Our 60th Anniversary is an affirmation of our vision and agency as a nation, built on the work of generations of Cook Islanders before us.” said the Prime Minister. “Our vaka is moving forward, powered by our people, our partnerships, and our shared belief in the future we can build together.”
“To all our national and traditional leaders, regional partners and international guests, I thank you for standing with us to mark this milestone. May this 60th anniversary renew our ties, uplift our spirits, and strengthen the vaka we share. Let us voyage forward together with unity, with courage, and with purpose.”
