The Cook Islands has a Westminster parliamentary style of government similar to that of New Zealand and England.

The country is a State in free association with New Zealand. While the Constitution provides for New Zealand to be responsible for defence and some aspects of international relation, this can only be enacted upon request by the Government of the Cook Islands. The Government is responsible for enacting legislatin and is fully competent to enter into international agreement and conduct its own international relation.

Parliament consists of a single chamber of 24 elected members, 10 of whom are from the main island of Rarotonga and the rest are from the outer islands.

The Head of State is Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II who is represented by the Queen’s Representative. The position is currently held by Sir Frederick Goodwin, KBE.

CURRENT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Government MPs
1.         Hon. Jim Marurai    (Prime Minister) -       MP for Ivirua
2.         Hon.Sir  Dr T. Maoate, KBE (DPM)   -        MP for Ngatangiia
3.         Hon. Mr Tangata Vavia                   -        MP for Mitiaro
4.         Hon. Kete Ioane                            -        MP for Vaipae/Tautu
5.         Hon. Ngamau Munokoa                  -        MP for Nikao/Panama
6.         Hon. Wilkie Rasmussen                  -        MP for Penrhyn
7.         Mr Mapu Taia  (Speaker)                -        MP for Mauke
8.         Mr Winton Pickering                       -        MP for Oneroa
9.         Mr Terepai Maoate Jnr                   -        MP for Amuri/Ureia
10.       Mrs Ngai Tupa                               -        MP for Takuvaine/Tutakimoa
11.       Mr  John Tangi                               -        MP for Tupapa/Maraerenga
12.Mrs Cassey Eggelton (Deputy Speaker)   -        MP for Matavera
13.       Mr Smiley Heather (Govt Whip)       -        MP for Ruaau
14.       Mr Apii Piho                                   -        MP for Manihiki
15.       Mr Robert Wigmore                        -        MP for Titikaveka                                           

Opposition MPs
16.       Hon. Tom Marsters (Leader of Opp)  -        MP for Murienua
17.       Mr Teina Bishop (D/Leader of Opp)  -         MP for Arutanga/Nikaupara/Reureu
18.       Mr Nandi Glassie                            -         MP for Tengatangi/Areora/Ngatiarua
19.       Mr Albert Nicholas (Opposition Whip)-         MP for Avatiu/Ruatonga
20.       Mr Teariki Heather                          -         MP for Akaoa
21.       Mr Mii Parima                                 -         MP for Tamarua
22.       Mr Norman George                         -         MP for Teenui-Mapumai

Independent MPs
23.       Mr Piho Rua                                   -           MP for Rakahanga
24.       Mr Vai Peua                                   -           MP for Pukapuka/Nassau