Who serves as the formal head of state of the Cook Islands?

The formal head of state of the Cook Islands is the British monarch, who is represented in the islands by an appointed delegate.1

While the Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, the monarch retains this formal role, distinct from the high commissioner who serves as the representative of the New Zealand government. Day-to-day executive authority is held by a cabinet led by the prime minister.1