Editing History of the Cook Islands (section)

==Early settlers of the Cooks ==
It is thought that the Cook Islands may have been settled between the years 900-1200 CE. Early settlements suggest that the settlers migrated from [[Tahiti]], to the northeast of the Cooks. The Cook Islands continue to hold important connections with Tahiti, and this is generally found in the two countries' culture, tradition and language. It is also thought that the early settlers were true Tahitians, who landed in [[Rarotonga]] ([[Tākitimu#Cook Islands Māori traditions|Takitumu]] district). There are notable historic epics of great warriors who travel between the two nations for a wide variety of reasons. The purpose of these missions is still unclear but recent research indicates that large to small groups often fled their island due to local wars being forced upon them. For each group to travel and to survive, they would normally rely on a warrior to lead them. Outstanding warriors are still mentioned in the countries' traditions and stories.

These arrivals are evidenced by an older road in Toi, the ''Ara Metua'', which runs around most of Rarotonga, and is believed to be at least 1200 years old. This 29&nbsp;km long, paved road is a considerable achievement of ancient engineering, possibly unsurpassed elsewhere in Polynesia.<ref name="wondermondo">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/Au/NZ/Cook/AraMetua.htm|title=Ara Metua - ancient Polynesian road|publisher=Wondermondo}}</ref> The islands of [[Manihiki]] and [[Rakahanga]] trace their origins to the arrival of Toa Nui, a warrior from the Puaikura tribe of Rarotonga, and Tepaeru, a high-ranking woman from the Takitumu or Te-Au-O-Tonga tribes of Rarotonga. [[Tongareva atoll|Tongareva]] was settled by an ancestor from Rakahanga called Mahuta and an Aitutaki Ariki & Chief Taruia, and possibly a group from Tahiti. The remainder of the northern islands, [[Pukapuka]] (Te Ulu O Te Watu) was probably settled by expeditions from [[Samoa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ck/history.htm#pre|title=History of the Cook Islands: Pre-European|publisher=www.ck}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/rarotonga-and-the-cook-islands/history#269025 |title=History of Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Polynesian settlement|publisher=Lonely Planet}}</ref>