Pacific Island New Zealanders

Pacific Island New Zealanders

In 1900 the Cook Islands and Niue were annexed by Britain and their inhabitants became British subjects. The following year the islands became New Zealand territory. Though both territories later gained a measure of independence, Cook Islanders and Niueans still enjoy the rights of New Zealand citizens. In a ceremony at Mangaia in the Cook Islands in October 1900, Lord Ranfurly, the governor of New Zealand, read the proclamation of annexation and the Union Jack was raised.