In 1900 the Cook Islands and Niue were annexed by Britain and their inhabitants became British subjects. The following year the islands became New Zealand territory. Though both territories later gained a measure of independence, Cook Islanders and Niueans still enjoy the rights of New Zealand citizens. In a ceremony at Mangaia in the Cook Islands in October 1900, Lord Ranfurly, the governor of New Zealand, read the proclamation of annexation and the Union Jack was raised.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library, Ranfurly Collection (PAColl-5745)
Reference: PA1-q-633-19-1
by Malcolm Ross
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.