It’s a national program that celebrates and protects Cook Islands culture. The Mark and Tokens make it easy to see when a product or service has a genuine Cook Islands connection.

The Mark shows that a business, maker, or seller has been accredited and verified by the Business Trade & Investment Board (BTIB). Only certified members carry the Mark.

Tokens show how each product or service is culturally connected to our islands:

• Ito Manava – Local innovation and contribution
• Vaka – Diaspora / Overseas
• Taʻunga – Cultural protection and preservation

No. All Tokens have equal value. They just represent different pathways of connection.

The Vaka Token is for Cook Islanders living abroad who are keeping cultural connections alive through their products and services. Because it’s designed for the Cook Islands people and business that are overseas , you might not see it very often in shops or markets in the Cook Islands. You’re more likely to come across it when buying from Cook Islands people and businesses in Australia, New Zealand, or other places around the world. When you do see it, you know it represents one of our people celebrating their connection to their culture and our islands.

Every accredited business or maker has a unique QR code. Scan it to see their official listing in the registry and check which products and services are accredited.

It gives you confidence that what you’re buying is authentic, genuine, and culturally connected. It also helps you support local businesses, artisans, and sustainable Cook Islands communities.

The program protects culture from counterfeiting and imitation, celebrates tradition and innovation, and helps create sustainable economic opportunities that support people, culture, and the environment.

When the Mark or Tokens are misused, BTIB can investigate and take appropriate action. Sometimes the misuse might just be an honest mistake or oversight. If it turns out to be something more, the business may be suspended and their public registry listing updated so consumers can see their current status. Unauthorised use by non-registered and non-accredited businesses may result in legal action.

Misuse happens when the Mark or Tokens are used in ways that aren’t allowed. For example:

• Using the Mark directly on products (the Mark is for businesses, not items).
• Putting the wrong Token on a product or service.
• Showing more than one Token on a single product or service.
• Using Tokens on products or services that are not listed in the official registry profile.
• Any business using the Mark or Tokens without being accredited.

Most of the time, issues come down to mistakes or confusion and can be fixed quickly. But deliberate misuse or unauthorised use is taken seriously.

If you see something that doesn’t look right, you can use the [Report Misuse] form. This helps protect culture and keeps the program fair for everyone.

If you’re not sure, it’s better to report it anyway. BTIB will investigate all reports. If it turns out everything is okay, then no action is taken, and you’ve still helped us make sure the program stays genuine and trustworthy.