The Cook Islands
April 8, 2025
“A South Pacific paradise.”
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A Located in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands is a nation of 15 islands which are scattered over a vast area, with political links to New Zealand. In 1901, the Cook Islands became a New Zealand colony but after a push for self-government in the 1960’s, it developed an autonomous free association with New Zealand in 1965. As a result, it administers its own affairs, nevertheless, Cook Islanders are also New Zealand citizens. As a point of geographical reference, the Cook Islands are an approximate 10-hour direct flight from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand.
Regarding cross-border business planning, this jurisdiction is best known for its Asset Protection Trust construct. In review, an Asset Protection Trust is a legal structure that splits the beneficial enjoyment of trust assets from their legal ownership. A Trust is simply a contract between the people who wish to protect assets (the Grantor) and the person who will manage the assets (the Trustee) for the benefit of all Beneficiaries.
Cook Islands
Location: 1850 miles NE of New Zealand
Capital City: Avarua
Population: 17,459
Language Spoken: English
International Time: EST + 16 1/2 hours
Airline Service: Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia
Currency: New Zealand dollar
Type of Government: Self-governing under Constitution, in free association with New Zealand
Main industries: Agriculture and manufacturing
Tax Treaty with US: Yes
OECD: Approved
Additional Notes: Passed legislation in the early 1980s that allows for a high degree of flexibility, simplicity and administrative ease for offshore sector.
