Country Profile: Cook Islands

Geography

Area	total: 236 sq km (91 sq miles) land: 236 sq km water: 0 sq km
Capital (2006- Wikipedia)	Avarua in the main island Rarotonga (14,153)
Largest city	Avarua
Other large cities	N/A
Climate	tropical oceanic; moderated by trade winds; a dry season from April to November and a more humid season from December to March. Terrain: low coral atolls in north; volcanic, hilly islands in south.
Time Difference	UTC-10 (5 hours behind Washington, DC during Standard Time)

People

Nationality	noun: Cook Islander(s) adjective: Cook Islander
Population (July 2010 est.-CIA)	11,488
Annual population growth rate (2010 est.-CIA)	-3.256%
Age Structure (2010 est.)	0-14 years: 27.1% (male 1,704/female 1,508) 15-64 years: 63.7% (male 3,898/female 3,664) 65 years and over: 9.2% (male 540/female 556)
Urbanization	urban population: 74% of total population (2008) rate of urbanization: -0.7% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Ethnic groups (2001 census)	Cook Island Maori (Polynesian) 87.7%, part Cook Island Maori 5.8%, other 6.5%
Languages	English (official), Maori or "Rarotongan," and Pukapukan
Religion (2001 census)	Cook Islands Christian Church 55.9%, Roman Catholic 16.8%, Seventh-Day Adventists 7.9%, Church of Latter Day Saints 3.8%, other Protestant 5.8%, other 4.2%, unspecified 2.6%, none 3%
Life expectancy (2010 est.-CIA)	total population: 74.47 years male: 71.69 years female: 77.38 years
Infant mortality rate (2010 est.-CIA)	total: 16.33 deaths/1,000 live births male: 19.88 deaths/1,000 live births female: 12.61 deaths/1,000 live births

Government

Government type	self-governing parliamentary democracy
Head of State	The Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor-General HE Sir Fredrick Goodwin. Head of Government: Prime Minister The Hon Jim Marurai
Independence	none (became self-governing in free association with New Zealand on 4 August 1965 and has the right at any time to move to full independence by unilateral action)
Constitution	4 August 1965
Legal system	based on New Zealand law and English common law
Suffrage	18 years of age; universal (adult)
Administrative divisions	None. Islands are: Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, Manihiki, Mauke, Mitiaro, Penrhyn, Pukapuka and Rakahanga

Education

Literacy (age 15 and over can read & write)	definition: NA total population: 95% male: NA female: NA
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education) (2005)	total: 10 years male: 10 years female: 10 years
Years compulsory	10 (starting at age 5)
Primary to secondary transition rate	N/A
Female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) - Tertiary Education as a % for School year	N/A
Male Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) - Tertiary Education as a % for School year ending	N/A
Education expenditure	as % of GDP 0.2% (2001) as % of total government expenditure 13.1% (1999)
Distribution(%) of public expenditure per level (2008)	pre-primary 7% primary 51% secondary 42% tertiary unknown
Researchers per 1,000,000 inhabitants (FTE)	N/A
Expenditure on R&D as a % of GDP	N/A
Percentage distribution of gross domestic expenditure on research and development by source	N/A

ICT

Telephones - main lines in use (2009)	6,900
Telephones - mobile cellular (2009)	7,000
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants	N/A
Broadband Internet subscribers per 100 inhabitants	N/A
Telephone system	General assessment: Telecom Cook Islands offers international direct dialling, Internet, email, fax, and Telex. domestic: individual islands are connected by a combination of satellite earth stations, microwave systems, and VHF and HF radiotelephone; within the islands, service is provided by small exchanges connected to subscribers by open-wire, cable, and fibre-optic cable international: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Pacific Ocean)
International dialling code	+682
Internet domain	.ck
Internet hosts (2010)	2,521
Internet users (2008)	5,000
Internet users per 100 inhabitants	N/A
Computers per 100 inhabitants	N/A
TV sets per 100 people	N/A

Overview

The Cook Islands are a collection of fifteen islands with a total land area of approximately 240 square kilometres, situated in the western region of the Pacific, geographically north of New Zealand, east of the Australian mainland and south of Samoa. Despite the small landmass, the Cook Islands Economic Zone covers an area of almost 2 million square kilometres. The remoteness of this location combined with small landmass and population are constraints on the development of major primary, mining or manufacturing industries. The aesthetic attractiveness of these Pacific islands has promoted tourism to be the number one industry, well ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports.

The Cook Islands has very strong links with its closest neighbour, New Zealand, and its citizens enjoy joint nationality and free access to New Zealand. While this may be seen as an advantage, it also poses a threat to Cook Islands in that according to recent census information, the population of approximately 20,000 is diminishing by a little over 3% per annum, with a larger population of 58,000 Cook Islanders now living in New Zealand rather than in their native country.

New Zealand, at the request of the Cook Islands and with ongoing consultation, takes responsibility for the defence of all Cook Island territories, further increasing dependency of Cook Islands upon its neighbour. However, recent moves are to increase autonomy in international affairs.

Languages spoken reflect the geographical and historical influences of the three neighbouring countries upon the Cook Islands. The official languages are English and Cook Islands Maori (Rarotongan), a dialectic variant closely related to both Tahitian and to New Zealand Māori. In contrast, Pukapukan, which is also spoken, is considered to be related to the Samoan language.

Almost all the inhabitants adhere to the Christian faith through the various church groups represented, including Cook Islands Christian Church, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist among others.

The Cook Islands is a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand, with the British monarch being the Head of State. Being a member of the British Commonwealth combined with a strong association with New Zealand, the Cook Islands has struck a balance between the independence enjoyed by a small nation and the stability of strong alliances with much more powerful and better-resourced allies.

Brief History

Evidence suggests that the Cook Islands were originally settled by the Polynesians approximately 1500 years ago prior to the British Captain James Cook sighting some of the islands in 1773, hence the name given by Europeans. The London Missionary Society had a strong influence in the islands during the 19^th century with the final proclamation in 1888 of the status of a British Protectorate. In 1901, New Zealand annexed the Cook Islands until internal self-government was achieved in 1965.

Economic crisis in the mid 1990s sparked a fall in the Cook Islands' population that continues to the present.

Governance

The Cook Islands is governed by a parliament, based on the Westminster two party system, consisting of 24 elected members. The Government is led by the Prime Minister who appoints a cabinet to assist in the function of government. While it operates as a unicameral system in the way in which legislation is passed and enacted, based on the British House of Commons, a second 15 member House of Akiri, consisting of 15 chiefs, advises the government on land use and customary practises. All other legislation is passed to one of the nine select committees to consider prior to being returned to the House. The nine select committees are: 1. Commerce, 2. Education and Science, 3. Finance and Expenditure, 4. Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Trade, 5. Land, Local Government, and Cultural Affairs, 6. Law and Order, 7. Labour, 8. Privileges, 9. Social Services, Health, and Environment.

The 15 Akiris (chiefs) are representative of the broader Cook Islander community with the larger island of Raratonga represented by six chiefs and a single chief from each of the nine outer islands forming the remaining representation. All adult Cook Islanders are entitled to vote although it is not compulsory.

Education System

Early educational offerings were conducted by the London Missionary Society. In the post-war era, the New Zealand educational administration took an active part in the administration of schools. The current public school system is administered as a whole but is divided into three regions: Main Island of Raratonga, Northern group and Southern group.

The education system of the Cook Islands consists of the following five stages: (i) Early Childhood Education for children younger than school age; (ii) Primary Education offered in Years 1- 6 of school; (iii) Secondary education offered in years 7 to 13 of school; (iv) Tertiary Education (or Vocational Training); and (v) Community Education.

The Cook Islands education system is modelled on that of New Zealand. In 2002, the Cook Islands made the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) its standard qualification. This was done in order to maintain alignment with New Zealand, which adopted the NCEA at the same time.

Education is free and compulsory for students from the age of 5 until 16.

Education in the Cook Islands faces a number of challenges. Many school facilities do not meet a minimum standard, and teaching resources are often in short supply. There are concerns regarding the quality of the education, teacher shortages and student participation rates, particularly in relation to the secondary sector. In addition, the isolation of the outer islands means that part of the Cook Island population has severely reduced access to education services.

a) School education

Pre-Primary Level

The government demonstrates its continuing commitment to pre-primary education by the annual allocation of approximately 7% of its total education budget to this area. In 2010, there were 24 Early Childhood Education Centres in the Cook Islands. These are predominantly attached to Primary and Area Schools. Early childhood education is provided to children from 3 ½ years till school enrolment.

Primary Level

Primary education covers grades 1-5, with a strong emphasis on mathematics, science and agriculture. The use of Maori language is encouraged. In 2010, there were 13 Primary Schools and 12 Area Schools. The latter provide education from early childhood through to secondary level.

Secondary Level

The second five years (forms 1-5) constitute secondary school and are based on the New Zealand syllabus and curriculum. In 2010, there were 4 Secondary Schools, in addition to the 12 Area Schools providing secondary school education. Studies include commercial studies, environmental studies, social science, health, and Maori culture and heritage and specific technical courses. Students may elect to do two additional years of secondary education as preparation for tertiary entry. Within these schools students are encouraged to use Maori as a complement to the English language upon which the New Zealand syllabus is based.

Non-Government Schools

Non-government schools are a relatively small component of the Cook Island education system. In 2010, there were five non-government schools on the main island of Rarotonga. These were: a Catholic primary school, a Catholic secondary school, a non-sectarian primary school, an Assembly of God school (catering for students from pre-school to Year 13) and an Adventist College (for students from pre-school to Year 10). There were also a private early childhood centre on the island and a Creative Centre. In addition, there was a single private Adventist school on the Island of Aitutaki.

The Cook Islands Government makes no distinction between private and government schools in terms of funding.

b) Vocational education and training (VET)

The Cook Islands have a number of institutions offering post-secondary education.

The Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC) has a number of programs to equip trainees for the hospitality and tourism industry. The HTTC offers qualifications in food preparation, culinary art, travel, tourism, beverage service, front office and reception, customer care skills, housekeeping and cooking. In addition to daytime courses, the HTTC offers night courses and courses for students from the outer islands. Qualifications granted by the CTTC are recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Agency (NZQA).

The Cook Islands Trades Training Centre (CTTC) offers a wide range of trade courses, including programs in the electrical trades, small appliance repair, telecommunications, automotive repair, carpentry and drain-laying. The CTTC offers night courses, foundation courses and eleven-week short courses for students from the outer islands. There are also trades courses for second chance learners and members of the community. Qualifications granted by the CTTC are recognised by the NZQA and are offered to Trade Qualification (Level 4).

Training in areas such as community-based health, first aid and first aid instructors training is available from the Cook Islands Red Cross.

The Cook Islands Sports Academy (CISA) provides a sports-based training programme. The CISA is accredited to teach the New Zealand National Certificate in Sport to Level 3. Training provided at the CISA is targeted at youngsters between the ages of 16–20 who aim for a semi-professional career in rugby league or rugby union.

The Rarotonga Sports Academy delivers a trades-based programme for youth at risk (Te Uki Tumanava).

The Cook Islands Maritime Training Centre offers training in sea safety and a boat master qualification for the operators and crew of sea-going vessels.

The Cook Island Nursing School is responsible for in-country training of nurses. The School offers a three year course that prepares students for nursing registration. The Nursing School hopes to deliver a Bachelor in Nursing degree from 2011.

The Cook Island Teachers Training College closed in 2008 due to the surplus of primary school teachers.

c) Higher education

Pre-Tertiary and Tertiary Education

TheUniversity of the South Pacific (USP) has a campus on the main island of Rarotonga. Although the 2006 upgrade to the USPNet has broadened the range of technologies in use, the Campus is faced with declining demand due to demographic contraction.

Overview of Distance Education

Distance education in the Cook Islands dates back to the 1970s. The Cook Islands were one of the founder-members of the USP consortium. The original USP Cook Islands Extension Centre was established in 1975, when it was initially housed in the Public Health Building in Tupapa on Rarotonga. At the time, the Centre was linked to the USP campus in Fiji using the PEACESAT satellite network. The USP Centre is now a full campus.

The Correspondence School (TCS) in Wellington, New Zealand, provides distance courses in a range of subjects to secondary students in the Cook Islands. Secondary students in the outer islands have been taking such courses since the late 1990s. In recent years, distance courses have also been offered to senior secondary students on Rarotonga as a means of expanding their subject options.

New Zealand institutions (including the Open Polytechnic and the UNITEC Institute of Technology) provide in-country training using DE. NZAid has funded a wide range of vocational, trade, professional and second-chance training through correspondence. In 2004–2006, NZAid trained 1488 individuals as part of 68 separate projects. New Zealand institutions (including the Open Polytechnic and the UNITEC Institute of Technology) provide in-country training using DE. NZAid has funded a wide range of vocational, trade, professional and second-chance training through correspondence. In 2004–2006, NZAid trained 1488 individuals as part of 68 separate projects.

The current USP Campus in the Cook Islands was opened in 1979. At present, USP students on Rarotonga have access to the full range of distance education courses provided by the University. The 2006 USPNet upgrade as greatly enhanced the speed and reliability of Internet connections, including audiovisual links. These improvements have allowed the Cook Island Campus to broaden the range of programs offered in the blended mode and the have increased the quality of existing distance education programs. In 2008, USP enrolments in the Cook Islands were 87 EFTS.

The ITC division within the Ministry of Education is currently trialing a distance education online delivery method called Te Kura Uira. We have tutors based in Rarotonga and Aitutaki who have online classes for schools in Rakahanga, Nassau and Mitiaro. Tutors offer classes via internet using video and audio conferencing, shared whiteboards and online management systems.

Administration and Finance

Education is administrated by the Ministry of Education with the Ministry responsible for policy and the Secretary of Education responsible for implementation and operational.

Cook Island citizens hold New Zealand citizenship with unrestricted access to work, study, reside and draw social benefits in New Zealand.

Higher Education Reforms

Reform of higher education provision in the Cook Islands is dependent on the direction of policy decisions made elsewhere, primarily in New Zealand and Fiji (the home of the USP).

Future Direction of Tertiary Education

The USP continues to expand its range of offerings at the Cook Island Campus. New courses include a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management, an accelerated studies program for the Ministry of Education, a Certificate in Agriculture program for four outer islands and training in diplomacy and international affairs for staff of the Cook Island Government. The Campus continues to expand with a new classroom and computing space to be completed this year. These steps are indication of the continued expansion of the USP’s activities in the country.

Information and Communications Technology Initiatives

a) Information society strategy

Increasing access to the Internet has changed the way in which secondary students in the outer islands can participate in distance education. Completed student work was once posted back to the Correspondence School in Wellington. Now, student work is scanned onto CD and sent to Rarotonga for emailing direct to teachers at the School. Marks and teachers’ comments are now returned by email to students. These simple steps have greatly reduced turn-around times, allowing students to derive increased benefit from their teachers’ comments. In addition, students in outer island schools can now make use of school email facilities to communicate by email with their teachers in New Zealand. Although email access is something that is taken for granted in the developed world, in the outer islands this is radical step forward.

b) Major e-learning initiatives

Although the Cook Islands are part of the OLPS initiative, the progress of the project in the country has been uneven. In 2008, 70 XO laptops were sent by the Pacific Islands Secretariat in New Caledonia to the Cook Islands for distribution to Mitiaro school students as part of a pilot project. The distribution was put on hold pending a cost-benefit analysis. In mid-2009, the Ministry of Education was asked to return the machines. At the end of the same year, the laptops were finally distributed to students at Mitiaro High School. During 2010, the laptops were used by students in a range of learning activities. The initial pilot project seems to have been a success, although subsequent events are unknown.

c) Benchmarking e-learning

None identified.

d) Support for OER

The Cook Islands are a member of the Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC), which is a Commonwealth of Learning (COL) initiative focused on the development of OER for world-wide use in post-secondary education.

e) Government entities

Association of Cook Islands Tertiary Institutes (ACITI)

Department of National Human Resource Development (DNHRD)

Ministry of Education

f) Associations and networks

Pacific Regional Initiatives for the Delivery of Basic Education (PRIDE)

Pacific Association for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (PATVET)

g) Distance education journals

None identified.

Interesting Distance Education Initiatives

The EduNet project was launched in 2003. Funded by the European Union, the aim of the project was to connect Cook Islands schools through a wide-area Intranet. The new Intranet would run on a server managed by the Ministry of Education, and provide schools with access to curriculum-related materials. The project was designed to assist schools to overcome the constraints imposed by the limited telecommunications infrastructure in the Cooks Islands at the time. Although EduNet was conceived with a great deal of enthusiasm, the results have been disappointing. The management of the program was in the hands of technical experts from the Ministry, rather than educators with an interest in e-learning. The result was that EduNet quickly became focused on more mundane (but still worthy) goals, such as improving the efficiency and effectiveness in school administration and communication. EduNet became an ICT project rather than a visionary attempt to provide e-learning in the Cooks Islands. In retrospect, this development is not altogether surprising. Effective e-learning requires very significant investments of time by trained personnel and specialised technical resources. These resources were simply not available in the Cook Island at the time.

Quality Assurance

Secretariat of the Pacific Board of Education Assessment (SPBEA)

The USP has a longer history of dealing with quality assurance issues. It has its own formal Quality Strategy and Quality Assurance Framework. The USP has also benefited from its ties with international quality assurance agencies, including the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) and the New Zealand Universities Academic Audit Unit (NZUAAU).

Many of the training institutions in the Cook Islands are accredited through the New Zealand Qualifications Agency (NZQA).

Regulatory and Policy Framework

Proposed changes to the Education Act would make it an offence for anyone to operate an unregistered educational institution in the Cooks Islands.

a) International regulatory and policy frameworks

The USP is a member of the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN). The USP is also a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE).

Education for All (EFA)

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

United Nations Literacy Decade

UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Education

United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014)

b) Regional agreements

The Cook Islands is a member of the multi-nation USP consortium.

USP Strategic Plan 2010-2012

Pacific Islands Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP)

Pacific Regional Initiatives for the Delivery of Basic Education (PRIDE) Project

Pacific Education for Sustainable Development Framework

Pacific Education Development Framework (PEDF) 2009-2015

The Pacific Plan (the Pacific Plan Task Force is managed by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General)

c) National regulations and policy

Education Act (1987)

d) State/District regulations and policy

None.

e) University policies

The Cook Islands is one of twelve Pacific island states which jointly own the University of the South Pacific. As one of the larger member-states and a financial contributor to the USP budget, the Solomon Islands are likely to have some influence over the direction of the University’s policy.