Capital Avarua (presumed) Historical era New Imperialism Disestablished 1901 Founded 1893 | Government Colony Established 1891 Preceded by Succeeded by Date dissolved 1901 | |
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The Cook Islands Federation was created in 1891, after the Kingdom of Rarotonga was given the island of Aitutaki. It lasted until 1901, when it was given to New Zealand.
Contents
Geography
The Cook Islands Federation was made up of the islands of Rarotonga, Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro and Aitutaki.
Law
The laws of the Cook Islands Federation were made by the local parliament, however they had to receive approval from a Resident from Britain. In 1899, the Parliament of Cook Islands ruled that the high court of the Cook Islands Federation could not give any punishment worse than those outlined by the Criminal Code Act of 1893, and The Summary Jurisdiction Act of 1894, which were both laws of New Zealand, and that both acts of New Zealand were to be adopted entirely.
Penal colonies
In 1892, the island of Takutea was set up as a penal colony, but in 1899 its use ceased, and the island of Manuae was used instead.