The King’s Baton Relay moved through the Cook Islands across Rarotonga and Aitutaki, where communities came together around sport, culture and a shared responsibility to protect the ocean.

Across the week, the Baton moved through villages, along coastal roads and into schools and training sessions, drawing young people and athletes into its path. In Aitutaki, the Relay was welcomed as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, while in Rarotonga it travelled in convoy before a public relay run from Nikao to Avarua.

The final procession brought together 20 Batonbearers drawn from across the community, including athletes, former competitors, church leaders and individuals recognised for their contribution to sport and island life. Beginning at Café Jireh, it moved through Avarua before finishing opposite the ANZ bank.

In Avarua, the Cook Islands leg of the King’s Baton Relay came to a close, bringing together the Batonbearers and communities who had carried it across Rarotonga and Aitutaki, before continuing on to Norfolk Island.

Environmental action formed a central part of the programme. The National Environment Service, alongside schools, national federations and CISNOC, led a beach clean-up along the Nikao coastline as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, with volunteers removing 80kg of waste.

At the centre of the celebrations was the Cook Islands Baton, one of 74 created for the Relay and brought to life locally by artists Katu Teiti and Isabella Nicholas.

Designed across three sides, it tells the story of the nation through its place in the Commonwealth, its environment and its identity.

One side reflects the Cook Islands within the Commonwealth, combining land and seascapes with sporting imagery to capture movement, strength and unity, while the 15 stars acknowledge the islands that make up the nation.

A second side, centred on the concept of THRIVE, highlights biodiversity, youth and growth, linking future athletes with the protection of the natural environment and the ambition of plastic-free oceans.

The third side represents unity and governance through the pillars of Cook Islands society. The Crown reflects constitutional leadership, the Dove symbolises the Church, and the House of Ariki represents traditional authority.