History of the Cook Islands History of the Cook Islands The Cook Islands are named after Captain James Cook, who visited the islands in 1773 and 1777. The Cook Islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, the islands were annexed as British territory. In 1901, the islands were included within the boundaries of the Colony of New Zealand. The Cook Islands contain 15 islands in the group spread over a vast area in the South Pacific. The majority of islands are low coral atolls in the Northern Group, with Rarotonga, a volcanic island in the Southern Group, as the main administration and government
Cook Islands at the 2012 Summer Olympics at an Olympic event. Slalom and sprint canoeing was the nation's only sport to debut at these Olympic games. Laser Radial sailor Helema Williams was the nation's flag bearer at the opening ceremony. Cook Islands, however, has yet to win an Olympic medal. The Cook Islands have qualified boats for the following events. Cook Islands has qualified 1 boat for each of the following events The Cook Islands has gained two "Universality places" from the FINA. Cook Islands at the 2012 Summer Olympics Cook Islands, represented by eight athletes, competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London from 27 July