Kingdom of Rarotonga facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kingdom of Rarotonga
Mātāmuatanga Rarotonga
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| 1858–1893 | |||||||
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| Status | Protectorate of United Kingdom (1888–1893) | ||||||
| Capital | Avarua (presumed) | ||||||
| Government | Monarchy | ||||||
| Historical era | New Imperialism | ||||||
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• Protectorate
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1888 | ||||||
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• Established
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1858 | ||||||
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• Disestablished
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1893 | ||||||
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The Kingdom of Rarotonga (called Mātāmuatanga Rarotonga in the local language) was an independent country. It was set up in 1858 on the island of Rarotonga, which is part of the Cook Islands today. In 1888, it asked the United Kingdom to protect it. This meant the UK would help keep it safe. Later, in 1893, its name changed to the Cook Islands Federation.
Contents
How the Kingdom Started
After many important chiefs, called ariki, became Christian, the religion quickly grew in the southern Cook Islands. Missionaries worked with the ariki to create new laws. They also helped stop fighting as a way to solve problems. This brought a lot of peace and order to the islands.
In 1881, the British government decided to protect New Zealand's interests in the area. They wanted to stop other countries from taking over. So, they agreed to let a British official, called a Consul, work in the islands. This person would represent Britain and help local European traders and farmers.
Becoming a British Protectorate
In 1885, New Zealand, which was a British colony at the time, offered to pay for a British Consul in Rarotonga. This person, called a "Resident," would be chosen by New Zealand. Their job was to advise the ariki on making and using laws. They also had to approve all new laws.
In 1888, Queen Makea Takau formally asked Britain for protection. She worried that the French might try to invade. The British government agreed to this request. They declared the Southern Group islands a protectorate. This meant Britain would protect the islands and their people. Britain also decided to take control of some Northern Group islands. They thought these islands might be useful for future underwater communication cables.
Forming a Federation
In 1890, a new British Resident named Frederick Moss arrived. He convinced the ariki of Rarotonga to create a temporary government for the whole island. This was the first time Rarotonga had a single government.
The next year, representatives from Rarotonga and the Southern Group islands agreed to form the first federal government for all the islands. However, this period was not easy. Many changes happened that some ariki and nobles did not like.
Joining New Zealand
The British did not want to manage the islands for long. New Zealand and European residents kept pushing Britain to give the Cook Islands to New Zealand. The relationship between the islanders and New Zealand became difficult. Two ariki even told the New Zealand leader, Richard Seddon, that they wanted the Cook Islands to stay connected to Great Britain.
On 27 September 1900, the New Zealand Parliament approved the annexation of the islands. This meant the islands would become part of New Zealand. The next month, the New Zealand Governor, Lord Ranfurly, arrived in Rarotonga. The five main ariki and seven other chiefs signed a document to give up control. The Cook Islands officially became part of New Zealand on 7 October 1900. This happened without much discussion about what it would mean for the islands.
On 11 June 1901, New Zealand's borders were expanded to include the Cook Islands. At this point, the power of the ariki was removed.
See also
In Spanish: Reino de Rarotonga para niños
