Prime Minister Mark Brown hosted a State Dinner to celebrate the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, welcoming national dignitaries, Pacific leaders, and international partners to an evening of reflection and celebration.
The dinner, held in Rarotonga following the official Constitution Day ceremony, brought together leaders from the Pa Enua, the Ui Ariki, the Church, Government and private sector, alongside representatives from 37 countries, including diplomatic partners from across the Pacific, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Brown paid special tribute to His Excellency the King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, who also marked his 80th birthday that evening, and warmly welcomed Her Excellency Dame Cindy Kiro, Governor-General of New Zealand, and Dr Richard Davies, calling their presence symbolic of the enduring partnership between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the presence of regional counterparts including the Prime Ministers of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Niue, the President of French Polynesia, and the Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia, along with senior diplomatic representatives from the United States, China, Japan, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union.
“Our partnerships matter. They help us achieve our development aspirations and respond to the challenges of our time,” Brown said. “We will continue to engage with the world—with principle, with purpose, and with pride in who we are.”
Echoing themes from his earlier national address, Brown celebrated the resilience of Cook Islands identity and the importance of genuine partnerships in advancing the nation’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, he reaffirmed the country’s unity and confidence in the future.
“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,” he said. “Our vaka is moving forward, powered by our people, our partnerships, and our shared belief in the future we can build together.”
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked national and traditional leaders, regional partners and international guests for joining the milestone celebration.
“May this 60th anniversary renew our ties, uplift our spirits, and strengthen the vaka we share,” he said. “Let us voyage forward together—with unity, with courage, and with purpose.”
