The ‘Know Your Region’ series is designed to support unit and individual professional military education on the Indo-Pacific region. It’s important for all serving members of our military to have a foundational knowledge of the countries and issues in the Indo-Pacific.

On this page:

  • Cook Islands Military – A Short History
  • Partnership with New Zealand
  • Cooperation with Australia

Cook Islands Military – A Short History

The Cook Islanders fought during WWI despite their geographic distance from the frontline. Locals were encouraged to enlist as voluntary soldiers in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. They were sent to the Middle East and Europe where they displayed resilience and bravery alongside their New Zealand and Australian counterparts. Sadly, many native soldiers died from European diseases.

During WWII, the Cook Islands played a strategic role in the Pacific. While the islands themselves were not directly involved in combat, they served as a logistical base for Allied forces who were operating in the region. Up to 250 locals signed up to join the New Zealand Defence Force while a local militia force was established to protect the Islands. 425 men volunteered for service; however, only 100 made it through the selection process. The newly formed Cook Islands Local Defence Force was tasked with patrolling the coasts of Rarotonga for signs of enemy activity. They were officially disbanded in 1945 when there was no longer a realistic threat of attack.

Following the war, the Cook Islands Defence Force (CIDF) was formally established to provide a response to local security needs and to support regional stability efforts.

 

Cook Island Defence Force – 1941-1945

Cook Island Defence Force – 1941-1945

The CIDF typically comprised around 30 to 50 personnel including reserves. It had limited equipment that included basic firearms and some vehicles for transportation. It also had access to small boats for coastal patrols. The function of the CIDF was to perform ceremonial duties, provide disaster response, train local services, and conduct limited maritime surveillance. It was effectively dissolved in 2001. At this point, the New Zealand military had assumed full responsibility for the nation’s defence and the Cook Islands Police Service managed law enforcement and internal security.

While not having a military of its own, the Cook Islands participates in regional security efforts through organisations like the Pacific Islands Forum. This allows the government to collaborate on regional issues such as transnational crime, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change. In recent years, the Cook Islands have explored establishing a more formalised defence capability, reflecting a broader trend among Pacific Island nations to address contemporary security challenges.

Partnership with New Zealand 

As the Cook Islands entered a period of self-governance in 1965, New Zealand took on the primary responsibility for their defence. Over the years, New Zealand has engaged in various joint exercises and training programs with Cook Islands police and security forces to enhance local capabilities. In 2001, the two countries signed an agreement reaffirming their relationship – the Joint Centenary Declaration of the Principles of the Relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Under the declaration, the two governments vowed to hold ministerial-level meetings to discuss matters of mutual interest such as economic development and foreign affairs.

Most recently, the trilateral security agreement between Australia, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands was formalised in 2022. This agreement focuses on enhancing maritime security, disaster response, and capacity building for local law enforcement agencies. By collaborating in this way, the three nations aim to address not only traditional security threats but also the impacts of climate change.

Cooperation with Australia 

Australia cooperates closely with Cook Islands on the Pacific Maritime Security Program and other regional security initiatives, such as the Pacific Fusion Centre and the Australia Pacific Security College. In June 2022, a new Guardian-Class Patrol Boat, Te Kukupa II, was delivered to the Cook Islands to protect its fisheries and patrol its Exclusive Economic Zone.

For more information on Cook Islands military, see resources below:

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