Coat of arms of the Cook Islands
Versions
Emblem of the Cook Islands Federation
ArmigerCharles III in Right of New Zealand
SupportersFlying 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 Papa Motu Kora, a mataiapo, a traditional chiefly title from the village of Matavera in Rarotonga.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Description of the Cook Islands Coat of Arms". Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  2. ^ Melina Etches (16 March 2021). "Coat of Arms designer Papa Motu Kora laid to rest". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
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