In 1973 Henry introduced a new national flag for the Cook Islands, but the flag was replaced in 1979 after he resigned. He initiated the creation of the House of Ariki. Other achievements include enlarging Rarotonga's airport, building the Rarotongan Resort (now the Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa), and helping to develop the Cook Islands into a significant international tourist destination. In 1966 Henry introduced a Universal Old Age Pension Scheme in which every person 65 years and over received a small government-sponsored pension.