Cook Islands to change names?

Hello, Karstuhl here!

The political leaders of the Cook Islands consider renaming the islands. It is now named after James Cook, the British captain who was the first European who got there. The idea is to have a new name in the native Maori language.

A referendum in 1994 said no to a change of names. Even though many years have passed since, this result still must still be a factor against changing names. There is also no old name to revive, the people in favour of a change try to make up a new name in the native language. I think this is silly. Even though you believe the present name of your land is a foreign name, it is still better than a newly made up name.

My main reason for opposing a name change, however, is the nice name that the islands have now. A cook is someone who prepares food. Food is tasty, eating is a wonderful thing to do. Why would you want to remove a name which brings your thoughts to cooks and food? I would not want to. I just wish I would have a little say in the matter.