Named after Captain COOK, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965, residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. The emigration of skilled workers to New Zealand and government deficits are continuing problems.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cw.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cook_islands