United Cook Islanders

The United Cook Islanders was a political party in the Cook Islands. It was established on 16 February 1968 in order to challenge the then-dominant Cook Islands Party and provide a more organised opposition.: 156  The party was organised by David Hosking and Taira Rere. Prominent members included former CIP cabinet ministers Manea Tamarua and Mana Strickland. The party did not initially have a formal leader, though Hosking served as "campaign leader": 159 

At the 1968 election, the party ran on a platform of economic development, increased pensions, and good governance. It promised to end the autocratic style of government practiced by the CIP's Albert Henry, end family and party appointments to the public service, and ensure public service neutrality.: 160  The party also wished to establish the House of Ariki as a formal upper house, with the ability to advise on and review all legislation. The party stood 18 candidates,: 139  but won only six seats, two in Mangaia, two in Atiu, and one each in Rakahanga and Penrhyn. Both Tamarua and Strickland lost their seats.

When parliament sat, the party was recognised as the parliamentary opposition.: 165  While the party initially elected Ngatupuna Matepi as leader and Tangata Simiona as deputy leader,: 142  it subsequently decided to rotate the positions among all six of its MPs over the next three years.: 165 

The party did not run at the 1972 election, with its members joining the Democratic Party.

Leaders

  1. Ngatupuna Matepi (1968–1969)
  2. Tangaroa Tangaroa (1969–1970)
  3. Vainerere Tangatapoto (1970–1971)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stone, David (1970). "Parties and politics in Polynesia: Political trends in the self-governing Cook Islands". Journal of the Polynesian Society. 79 (2): 123-179. JSTOR 20704699.
  2. 1 2 "BREAKAWAYS SEEK POWER IN COOKS' ELECTIONS". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 39, no. 5. 1 May 1968. p. 24. Retrieved 5 February 2026 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. 1 2 Haas, Anthony (1969). "Three Years after Internal Self - Government: The Cook Islands General Election 1968". The Journal of Pacific History. 4: 136–145. JSTOR 25167984.
  4. ↑ "Albert Henry back in the Cooks with a bang". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 39, no. 6. 1 June 1968. p. 24. Retrieved 5 February 2026 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ↑ "TEN-SEAT MAJORITY". The Press. 3 May 1968. p. 12. Retrieved 2 November 2026 – via Papers Past.
  6. ↑ "All the fun of party politics in the Cooks". Pacific Islands Monthly. Vol. 43, no. 3. 1 March 1972. p. 24. Retrieved 5 February 2026 – via National Library of Australia.