Coat of arms of the Cook Islands

Coat of arms of the Cook Islands
Versions
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 Mataiapo Metuakore Teremoana Ngametua Tutakiao Kora BEM, also known as Papa Motu Kora.[1][2]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Melina Etches (16 March 2021). "Coat of Arms designer Papa Motu Kora laid to rest". Cook Islands News. Retrieved 26 June 2024.