The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands is the most powerful official within the government of the Cook Islands, a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand. The office was established in 1965, when self-government was first granted to the islands. Originally, the title "Premier" was used, but this was replaced by the title of "Prime Minister" in 1981. A Free Association is an association which meets certain mostly negative criteria. ... 1965 (MCMLXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link goes to calendar). ... 1981 (MCMLXXXI) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...