English: The Cook Islands, since 1901 a territory of New Zealand, attained internal self-government on August 4, 1965. The 20,000 inhabitants of this scattered South Pacific group, however, remain New Zealand citizens, while the former administrating country also retains responsibility for the Islands' defence and External Affairs.

Regular clinics, especially for mothers and children, are a feature of the Government Health Service in the Cook Islands. Trained district nurses visit each community to examine infants and give advice on health matters to adults.

Here, at a village on Rarotonga, principal island of the group, a district nurse speaks to mothers and children on the importance of a balanced diet for the health. Cook Island, Health, Rarotonga publicity photograph. (1965)

Photographer: Unknown

Archives New Zealand Reference: AAQT 6539 W3537 R3426