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. Positive health campaigns under the New Zealand administration, and now under the Cook Islands Health Department, have resulted in bringing under control many diseases common in other parts of the Pacific. Tuberculosis, once a major health problem, is on the decrease in the Cook Islands where, on the lower slopes of Rarotonga, the principal island of the group, this small sanatorium is run and staffed but the Cook Islands Health Department. In the background is the Rarotonga Airport.

Cook Islands, Health, Rarotonga publicity photograph. (1965)

Photographer: Unknown

Archives New Zealand Reference: AAQT 6539 W3537 R3411