| Coat of arms of the Cook Islands | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Versions | |
 Emblem of the Cook Islands Federation | |
| Armiger | Charles III in Right of New Zealand |
| Supporters | Flying 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 Mataiapo Metuakore Teremoana Ngametua Tutakiao Kora BEM, also known as Papa Motu Kora.[1][2]
- ^ a b "Description of the Cook Islands Coat of Arms". Office of the Prime Minister, Cook Islands. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
- ^ Melina Etches (16 March 2021). "Coat of Arms designer Papa Motu Kora laid to rest". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 26 June 2024.