Location
There are 15 islands within the Cook Islands and together they cover a total land area of about 240sq km, spread over more than 2 million sq km of the south-west Pacific Ocean.  The Cook Islands are divided into two groups – the northern and southern groups.

The main island of Rarotonga is 1630 nautical miles north-east of Auckland.    Rarotonga is the location of the seat of government and is home to more than half the Cook Islands population of about 19,000. The capital of Rarotonga is Avarua, the location of the main services and shopping centre.

History
The Cook Islands are named after the explorer Captain James Cook who first sighted Manue (Hervey Island in 1773).  The first settlers in the islands were Polynesians who arrived about 800AD as part of the great Polynesian migration.  The islands were declared at British protectorate in 1888 and came under New Zealand control in 1891. 
The Cooks has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since 1965.  By virtue of that unique relationship, all Cook Islands hold New Zealand passports.  The country is governed by 25-member Parliament elected by universal suffrage.  The Cook Islands Parliamentary system is modeled on the Westminster system of Britain.  The Queen’s Representative is Head of State.  A House of Ariki (traditional paramount chiefs) counsels and advises government, as does the Koutu Nui, a body of traditional chiefs.

The People
The beauty and charm of the Cook Islands are matched by the friendliness of its people. Cook Islanders share a genuine care for others.   The Cook Islands greeting, Kia Orana means “may you live long”.  It is a unique first gesture of friendship from special Polynesian people renown for their hospitality and warmth.  

Climate
Warmth and sunshine can be enjoyed year round in the Cook Islands.  The drier months from April to November have an average maximum temperature of about 260C and an average minimum of about 200C.  The wetter, more humid months from December to March have an average 280C maximum.

Dress/Attire
Lightweight casual clothing is the norm, with smarter attire required for attending church services.  A sweatshirt, light jacket and raincoat may be required in the cooler months of June through to August when temperatures can drop to about 180C.

During the conference including the opening the desired attire for official functions is semi casual/formal: men- long cotton slacks, cotton shirt with short sleeves, women - cotton dresses or cotton slacks and blouse/shirt.

Reef walkers or tennis shoes will help you on the beaches and when wadding in coral bottom lagoons.  

Sports & Leisure Activities

The Edgewater Resort & Spa offers activities such as hiking trails, great snorkeling spots, tennis courts or round of golf at the local course.  The Complimentary Daily Activities Programme offers a variety of fun activities including a full resort orientation, beach and inland sightseeing walks, water volleyball and poolside crab racing.  You can also learn the fine art of Polynesian culture with tree climbing and coconut husking demonstrations, flower ei (garland) making, hula dancing and Cook Island drumming lessons. For more information, delegates can check with the hotel’s Activities team.  Golf and local tours bookings are also available from the tour desk.