Te Tango Tutara o te Tupe /Ministry of Justice is holding a special “60 Years of Legacy” exhibition, showcasing the evolution of its justice system, key milestones, technological advancements and ongoing efforts to digitise vital historical records.

The exhibition, on display upstairs at the Ministry of Justice building in town until the end of the month, highlights key milestones in its journey while paying tribute to the people and systems that have shaped its legacy.

The Ministry’s mission is clear: “To provide a safe, secure, just, and fair society with trusted land management and information and register systems.”

In 1965, the year Cook Islands became a self-governing nation, Nikau Tangaroa became the first Cook Islander appointed as Registrar of the High Court, beginning the modern legacy of the Ministry.

Key judicial milestones followed quickly: 1968 – Establishment of District Courts and introduction of trial by jury; 1969 – Enactment of the Crimes Act, aligning Cook Islands law with modern standards; 1970 – Juvenile justice responsibilities transferred to the Ministry and trial assessors abolished via the Cook Islands Amendment Act; and 1971 – Launch of the Companies Office under the Companies Act, with J.T. Tamaiva and T. Jacob serving as Registrar and Deputy Registrar.

By this point, the Ministry’s core structure was taking shape.

The then Secretary of Justice led the head office, overseeing divisions such as the Courts, Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry, Companies Office, Prison and Probation Services, and the Land Court. The first official land survey was conducted by H.M. Connal.

One of the most defining moments in the Ministry’s history came on Sunday, May 10, 1982, when a devastating fire, caused by arson, destroyed key government buildings including the Prime Minister’s Department, the Justice and Lands, Internal Affairs, and Surveys Departments.

The fire resulted in the tragic loss of records and resources critical to the nation’s justice history.

A new Justice building was officially opened on November 17, 2004, and continues to house the ministry today.

The Ministry’s evolution into the digital era has seen major technological upgrades.

In 2019, the Ministry launched the online Companies, Incorporated Societies, and PPSR registry, marking a shift from paper-based to fully electronic systems. In 2022, it introduced the Case Tracking System (CTS), which replaced manual court records with a digital platform now managing over 18,000 court cases and in 2023, the installation of the Ministry’s first public passenger lift thanks to the advocacy of Tuki Wright.

Records for Births, Deaths, and Marriages now date back to 1917, showcasing over a century of official documentation.

As part of the 60-year celebrations, the Ministry is offering a limited-edition commemorative birth certificate for $25.

Three versions of certificates are featured in the exhibit: A handwritten version from 1965, the standardised printed format from 2007–2025, and a special 2025 commemorative design.

The Titles Section, which supports the public, legal professionals, courts and tribunals, plays a critical role in providing accurate and timely information on Land Titles (ROT). Their main tasks include processing entries onto the Register of Titles (ROT), preparing orders, registration of deeds, scanning/digitising of court records, filing of dealt with applications, and archiving of land records.

A major ongoing initiative involves the digitisation of land records, including fragile documents dating back to the late 1890s. These records contain essential information on land, families, tribal titles, adoptions, and genealogy – some in danger of being lost due to deterioration.

So far, digitisation of Pa Enua and much of Rarotonga is complete, with work on Avarua district currently underway.

The Ministry’s future goal is to complete digitising: registered legal documents (leases, mortgages, etc.); tribal titles; adoption applications; native reserves (Rarotonga and Pa Enua), and Court of Appeal cases.

Ministry of Justice interns and staff are being trained in all aspects of scanning, digitisation and archiving to safeguard this critical legacy for future generations.

The “60 Years of Legacy” exhibition stands not just as a celebration of institutional history, but as a tribute to the resilience, innovation and dedication of the people behind the justice system in the Cook Islands.