Culture of the Cook Islands Culture of the Cook Islands The culture of the Cook Islands reflects the traditions of its fifteen islands as a Polynesian island country, spread over in the South Pacific Ocean. It is in free association with New Zealand. Its traditions are based on the influences of those who settled the islands over several centuries. Polynesian people from Tahiti settled in the Cook Islands in the 6th century. The Portuguese captain, Pedro Fernandes de Queirós, made the first recorded European landing in the islands in the early 17th century, and well over a hundred years later, in the 18th century, the
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