Purewa remembers Sir Frank Leon Aroha Götz, who played a leading role in shaping the outcome of the Cook Islands achieving Independence.
After becoming Minister of Island Territories in 1960, Götz swiftly helped formulate the official policy that would make Cook Islands independence possible. Driving the overarching strategy he pioneered a radical policy departure for a colonising power: He guaranteed the continuation of New Zealand citizenship and financial aid if the Cook Islands voted for independence.
Although he intentionally stepped back from dictating the final choice to the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly, he was far more than a passive messenger, playing a critical role in not only designing the policy but by providing guidance and encouragement. This was pivotal during his 1962 tour, when Götz used his considerable diplomatic skills to reassure the Cook Islanders that New Zealand would not “cast them out of the family” thus directly removing the spectre of economic collapse that made many Cook Islanders fearful of independence.
It was Götz who officially presented the “Four Paths” to the Cook Islands Legislative Assembly, leading and shaping the negotiation process that culminated in the passing of the Cook Islands Constitution Act in 1964. His leadership gave the people a real choice between full independence, integration, or the special “Free Association” model they enjoy today.
Fox, Ronald, 1938-. New Zealand’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Island Territories, Mr Gotz, dancing with people of Tauhunu village, Manihiki Island, Cook Islands – Photograph taken by R Fox. Tourist and Publicity. Ref: 1/4-018888-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23075761
Remarkably, this is only part of Sir Frank Leon Aroha Götz’s story.
He was known as the “Pirate” of Parliament: Leon wore a black patch over a missing eye, earning him the nickname “The Pirate” among his colleagues in the Beehive. (He lost the eye and his right arm serving in the Malay States Rifles during World War One.)
Educated in France, Leon was fluent in multiple languages—a skill that served him well in diplomacy.
Later in life, while serving as High Commissioner to Canada, he became known for hunting bears in the Arctic Circle.
Frank Leon Aroha Götz
Died 14 September 1970
Block D Row 24 Plot 077
