This year, on the 4th of August, the Cook Islands will celebrate 50 years of becoming a self-governing country in free association with New Zealand.
Cook Islands stamps, 1965. Photo: Archives New Zealand
This archival programme was recorded in 1965 in the lead up to the Cook Islands becoming self-governing. The presenter speaks to the Sudanese leader of the United Nations observer group which supervised that year's elections in the Cook Islands. He also speaks to locals about becoming self-governing, including the first man to become prime minister of Cook Islands, Albert Henry.
Archival audio supplied by Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.
