(a.k.a. Araura, Ararau, Utataki) a dependency of New Zealand; one of the South Pacific’s Cook Islands group. Currency: 12 pence = 1 shilling; 100 cents = 1 dollar (1972). 1888: established as a British protectorate. 1892-1903: stamps of the Cook Islands used. 1901, 11 June: annexed by New Zealand. 1903, 29 June: first stamps issued, being ‘AITUTAKI.’ with native-language values overprints. 1932, 15 March: stamps of the Cook Islands used, superseding the previous issues. 1920, 23 August: ‘AITUTAKI’-only inscribed stamps issued. 1932, 15 March: used Cook Island stamps. 1972, 1 April: Cook Islands stamps withdrawn from sale. 1972, 7 August: Aitutaki overprint on stamps of Cook Islands. 1973: Aitutaki inscription on stamps. 1974, 9 September: first airmail stamp issued. 1974, 2 December: first semipostal stamp issued. 1978: first official stamp issued, being a ‘O.H.M.S.’ overprint.
