[1] The Speaker is elected by the House at the beginning of a parliamentary term according to the provisions of the Cook Islands Constitution and the Standing Orders.

Unlike other Westminster systems the Speaker does not have to be a Member of Parliament, though they must be qualified to be one.

[2] The Constitution requires that Parliament elect the person nominated by the Prime Minister,[3] however the parliament's Standing Orders include a process for contested elections.

[4] Following their election the Speaker must present themselves to the Queen's Representative to swear an oath of allegiance and lay claim to the privileges of the House.

[5] The Speaker holds office until they cease to be an MP (or, in the case of a Speaker who is not an MP, cease to be qualified to be one), become a Minister, are removed by a vote of the House, or Parliament is dissolved.