the act
The Cook Islands National Awards System is the formal national framework established to recognise exceptional service, achievements and contributions of Cook Islanders who have distinguished themselves in service to our people, our country and our shared future.
The Act establishes:
• An awards system that reflects our unique cultural values
• A National Awards Selection Committee to oversee nominations and recommend awards to Cabinet
• Clear categories of awards
• A process for awards to be conferred by the Prime Minister acting on the advice of Cabinet
The system complements the New Zealand Royal Honours system within the Cook Islands context.
This relaunch signals the continuation of a national tradition of recognition grounded in merit, transparency and fairness
