Start Planning
Constitution Day
Cook Islands

Constitution Day 2024, 2025 and 2026 in Cook Islands

Constitution Day is celebrated on 4 August in the Cook Islands to remember the day in 1965 when the islands gained their independence and came under the authority of their current Constitution.

YearDateDayHoliday
20244 AugSunConstitution Day
5 AugMonConstitution Day Holiday
20254 AugMonConstitution Day
20264 AugTueConstitution Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

The Cook Islands had been a territory of the UK since 1888. The annexation did not occur by uninvited force, however, but came at the request of the islanders when they feared an imminent invasion by Britain’s colonial competitor, France. In 1901, the UK joined the islands with their colony of New Zealand.

Up until 1965, the Cook Islands remained a territory of New Zealand, but they officially gained independence that year on 4 August. The islands remained, however, in “free association with” New Zealand. This means that the Cook Islands can leave anytime they want to but are currently allowing New Zealand to handle their foreign affairs and national defence.

Constitution Day has become rather popular in the Cook Islands. It is called Te Maeva Nui, meaning that it is a very great celebration. This is the islands’ biggest patriotic holiday.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
20234 AugFriConstitution Day
20224 AugThuConstitution Day
20214 AugWedConstitution Day
20204 AugTueConstitution Day
20194 AugSunConstitution Day
5 AugMonConstitution Day Holiday
20184 AugSatConstitution Day
6 AugMonConstitution Day Holiday
20174 AugFriConstitution Day