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Ernest Rutherford

Rutherford's discoveries about the nature of atoms shaped modern science and paved the way for nuclear physics. Einstein referred to him as the 'second Newton' who ‘tunneled into the very material of God’.

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Today in History

4 August

1965 Cook Islands achieve self-government

First included within the boundaries of New Zealand in 1901, the islands were governed by a Resident Commissioner until 1946. Despite gaining self-government, Cook Islanders remained New Zealand citizens.

New Zealand's formal ties with the Cook Islands began as a result of a petition by the chiefs of Rarotonga. In 1901 the Federal Parliament of the Cooks was abolished. The islands were governed by the Resident Commissioner of Rarotonga, appointed by the New Zealand government. Resident agents were also appointed in most of the outer islands.

After the Second World War steps were taken towards establishing responsible internal self-government. A Legislative Council was constituted in 1946 and met annually in Rarotonga. Initially, this Council had limited authority and acted more as an advisory group. In 1957 a representative Legislative Assembly of the Cook Islands with increased legislative powers was created.

In 1962 this Assembly declared its intention to achieve internal self-government. It was also emphasised that Cook Islanders wished to retain their New Zealand citizenship. At its 1963 session the Assembly chose a Leader of Government and four other members to form a new Executive Committee or ‘shadow cabinet'. A timetable for constitutional development was agreed. This aimed for full internal self-government in 1965 and continued association with New Zealand.

Under the terms of the Cook Islands Constitution Act (1964), an elected Legislative Assembly would have complete legislative autonomy over the Cooks. Executive government was to be controlled by a cabinet chosen from members of this Assembly and headed by a Premier. New Zealand retained control of the Cook Islands' external affairs and continued to make three-yearly grants to help the budget. A New Zealand official was to represent the Queen as Head of State as well as acting as this country's representative in the islands.

By the late 1980s there were more Cook Islanders living in New Zealand than in their home islands.