About the program
The program helps protect Cook Islands culture and identity, supports local enterprise, and gives our diaspora clear ways to contribute. It makes authenticity visible and easy to verify so customers and partners can recognise a real Cook Islands connection.
The Mark shows that a business or maker is registered and accredited. A Token shows the type of Cook Islands connection for a specific product or service. The Mark is used to identify your business as certified member of the Uniquely Cook Islands program. Tokens are used only with accredited products or services.
The Mark plus a motif equals a Token. Motifs are not decoration. They are cultural symbols that represent different connection pathways and are never used on their own. When a motif sits inside the Mark, the lock-up becomes a Token can be used with accredited products and services.
Use the Mark with text on business materials such as your About page on social media, shopfront decal, business cards, website, email signature, and other collateral about your business.
Use your awarded Token on packaging, product labels, menus, signage, and posts that promote a specific accredited product or service. Do not use the Mark with products or services. Never use the names of Tokens except for education purposes. They are not allowed for promotional use.
Eligibility and requirements
Anyone who fulfil the published requirements for the Uniquely Cook Islands program can apply for registration and accreditation to use the Mark and an appropriate Token.
A key requirement is that you must have a verifiable connection to the Cook Islands to register for the Uniquely Cooks Islands program. If your registration is successful you can apply for one of three Tokens, each with a different level of evidence required for qualifying. The Uniquely Cook Islands Mark and Tokens can only be used by registered and accredited members in good standing.
Tokens are visual symbols of different pathways of connection to the Cook Islands. All Tokens are equal in value, with their difference being in how a product or service is connected to Cook Islands culture and tradition.
- Ito Manava is for local production and innovation. It’s for people making and creating products and services locally in ways that show innovation and contribution in their use of cultural inspiration and expression.
- Vaka is for diaspora or overseas Cook Island people and businesses. It reflects their connection back to the Cook Islands and the responsible use of culturally inspired goods and services overseas. It also represents the contribution of our overseas people in celebrating our culture and traditions, increasing the international profile of the Cook Islands and benefiting our people both at home and abroad.
- Taʻunga is for cultural protection and preservation. This token signifies the safeguarding our old ways, our culture, history, and traditions. It honours our master artisans and craftspeople who practice in the authentic, traditional ways using traditional Cook Islands materials, methods and designs. It also includes the passing of our cultural knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next.
Learn more about Tokens - Understanding and Selecting Your Token and their requirements. Learn More about Understanding Evidence for Accreditation
That depends. If you are in Rarotonga or the Pa Enua, then you can apply for the Ito Manava and Taʻunga tokens. Each Token is a separate application, and the requirements are different for each one. Taʻunga requires a higher level of proof. Within a Token application you can include multiple products or services. Only Cook Islands people and businesses overseas can apply for the Vaka token.
Ito Manava applications are reviewed and approved the fastest. Taʻunga and Vaka applications take a bit longer to review. The more thorough and complete the application, the more quickly it can be reviewed and approved. If more detail is needed, BTIB will contact you.
Registration and Orientation
Complete the online form with your contact and business details, verify your email, and set a secure password.
If you are overseas or have an overseas business, you can provide a business registration number for your company. Just make sure it appears on a public register so BTIB can verify it. You can contact BTIB for more information at info@uniquelycookislands.co.ck.
Orientation explains how the Mark and Tokens work and the rules you need to follow. It includes a short knowledge check. Passing orientation is required before accreditation.
Using the Mark and Tokens
Use only the Mark and Token files provided by Uniquely Cook Islands. Do not redraw or change them. Do not show more than one Token on the same item. Do not use a motif or Token name by itself. Only use your awarded Token with the products or services included in your application. Keep the Mark and your brand separate so both are clear. Add the QR code or verification link where you so consumers can easily verify authenticity.
Trust is what gives the Mark and Tokens value. Correct use protects your business, other members, and the cultural integrity of the Cook Islands. Misuse weakens protection and can lead to warnings, suspension, or removal from the program. That’s why there is a public registry of certified members and their accredited products and services. It makes it easy for consumers to check to make sure that businesses are registered and certified members and that they only use tokens with products and services included in their applications.
Take a photo or screenshot, save the link if it is online, and report it through the portal. BTIB will review and act on the report.
Using the Mark and Tokens
It changes the conversation from price or production to cultural connection and authenticity. It helps your products stand out in stores and online. It builds trust with customers, retailers, and partners. A verified listing and QR code make counterfeiting harder and faster to challenge. You also receive templates and onboarding support so using the Mark and Tokens is easy.
It links directly to your verified profile listing in the public registry. You can print or share it on packaging, signage, and online. It helps customers confirm your accreditation in seconds. It’s also a compliance monitoring tool, making it easy to check that the products and services using a Token match the products and services in the public profile registry of the business or maker. There are legal implications for misusing the Mark and Tokens or for using them without being a registered and accredited member of the Uniquely Cook Islands program.
The Welcome Kit has the Mark and Token files and materials you need to benefit as a certified member of the program. A physical kit is available by mail or pick-up from the BTIB office. You can also download it from your profile page.
The Welcome Kit has the Mark and Token files and materials you need to benefit as a certified member of the program. A physical kit is available by mail or pick-up from the BTIB office. You can also download it from your profile page.
Profile and support
Track status, update details, download the Welcome Kit, your personalised QR code, access tools and resources, and manage current and future applications.
Use the Help Desk contact shown in the portal for email and phone support during business hours.