Latest news with #CookIslanders
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
US in seabed mineral talks with Cook Islands
Western nations that traditionally held sway in the Pacific Islands have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defence, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. Earlier this year, a strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands was signed. It spanned areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excluded security ties. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the State Department said in a statement on Tuesday. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. It has its own government and Britain's King Charles III is its head of state. Cook Islanders have New Zealand citizenship and passports. They have the same rights as a New Zealander such as the ability to work, go to school and use the medical system. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands as the relationship continued to deteriorate amid the island group's deepening ties with China.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
US says it has started seabed mineral talks with the Cook Islands
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Polymetallic nodules encrusted with coveted metals like cobalt, nickel and manganese seen onboard the research vessel MV Anuanua Moana in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. WASHINGTON - The US has begun talks with the Cook Islands for research on seabed minerals exploration and development, the State Department said on Aug 5. The Cook Islands, which had a population of 15,040 in 2021, lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii and are made up of 15 islands and atolls. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China's plans to increase influence after Beijing signed defense, trade and financial deals with Pacific countries in recent years. Earlier this year, China and the Cook Islands signed a strategic partnership deal, which spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excluded security ties. "The Government of the United States of America has begun discussions with the Government of the Cook Islands to support the research necessary to inform seabed exploration and responsible development within the Cook Islands' Exclusive Economic Zone," the US Statement Department said in a statement. US-linked firms "sit at the forefront" of deep seabed mineral research and exploration in the Cook Islands, it said. The Cook Islands was within the New Zealand borders from 1901. In 1965, it became self governing but in free association with New Zealand. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Morning commute disrupted as delays on East-West MRT Line persist after more than 3 hours Singapore Hidden vapes and where to find them: Inside ICA's clampdown at land checkpoints Singapore Sorting recyclables by material could boost low domestic recycling rate: Observers Singapore SM Lee receives Australia's highest civilian honour for advancing bilateral ties Asia Trump's sharp India criticism corners Modi as rift deepens Singapore More train rides taken in first half-year, but overall public transport use stays below 2019 levels Singapore BlueSG needs time to develop software, refresh fleet, say ex-insiders after winding-down news Asia Cambodia-Thailand border clash a setback for Asean: Vivian Balakrishnan It has its own government, and King Charles III is its head of state. Cook Islanders have New Zealand citizenship and passports. They have the same rights as a New Zealander such as the ability to work, go to school and use the medical system. In June, New Zealand suspended millions of dollars in budget funding to the Cook Islands as the relationship continued to deteriorate amid the island group's deepening ties with China. REUTERS
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Governor-General's Address At The Cook Islands 60th Constitution Day Ceremony
Tēnā koutou, kia orana tātou katoatoa - and my very warmest Pacific greetings to you all. I'd like to specifically acknowledge: Sir Tom Marsters, King's Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters; Prime Minister Mark Brown and Mrs Daphne Brown, and all Members of Parliament of the Cook Islands; Tou Travel Ariki, President of the House of Ariki, and Tou Ariki Vaine, and all other Ariki, mataiapo, and rangatira; Bishop Tutai Pere, Chair of the Religious Advisory Council, and all orometua and religious leaders; Your Excellency Ms Catherine Graham, New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands; distinguished foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps. And to all honoured guests, many of whom I know have travelled great distances to be here - tēnā koutou katoa. As Governor-General of the Realm of New Zealand, representing His Majesty King Charles III, and the Government and people of New Zealand, I am honoured to be here for this deeply significant celebration of Te Maeva Nui - marking 60 years of Cook Islands self-governance, and the very special relationship between our two countries. This is my second visit to the Cook Islands during my term as Governor-General - and on both occasions, I have been so struck, and so moved, by the warmth and generosity with which my husband Dr Davies and I have been received. The bond between Aotearoa and the Cook Islands extends back many hundreds of years to our voyaging ancestors, who navigated across the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, carrying with them an abiding spirit of courage and exploration, and guided by an extraordinary attunement to the natural world: to the winds and currents and stars. That whakapapa now finds expression in the many family ties which straddle and bind our two countries: the whanaungatanga forged and enforced over generations, and through all the cycles of life - the loves and losses; the triumphs and tragedies shared. Not far from my home of Government House in Wellington, at the Pukeahu War National War Memorial Park, sits a great, beautiful, bronze conch - a particular favourite among children small enough to curl up in its hollow opening. That conch's name is Te Reo Hotunui o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, 'the deep sigh of the Pacific', and it stands as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of the bond between our countries: of the immense sacrifices made by Pacific troops, including so many Cook Islanders, who fought and died alongside their New Zealand comrades in global conflicts of this past century. At a time when we still see so much instability and suffering in the world, when climate change remains an existential threat to us all, the bonds of true friendship, of care and sharing and understanding, are so precious: the knowledge that we are not alone standing against the flooding tides of intolerance and indifference and fear. The famous whakataukī says: 'He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata! What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!' And it is the people - that bond of deep friendship between our two peoples - that will transcend all else as we continue to face the challenges, and celebrate the joys of the future, together. I wish to extend my sincerest thanks once again to Sir Tom and Lady Tuaine Marsters, for the great kindness you've extended to me and Dr Davies these past days. Sir Tom: may I also add, a very happiest 80th birthday - and to you and Lady Marsters: very warmest congratulations on your 50th wedding anniversary, also to be celebrated today. My sincerest thanks and congratulations also to Prime Minister Brown, the Cook Islands Government, and all those Cook Islanders, here on Rarotonga, and from across Pa Enua - for the work and aro'a that you've put into making these celebrations such a success, in honour of all that you've achieved over these past sixty years of nationhood. It was Alistair Te Ariki Campbell, the great poet, born here on Rarotonga, who wrote these lines of deep familial love: What more can I wish you than / The fulfilment of your dreams, / Love and peace of mind / And the world to enjoy? As Governor-General, on behalf of all New Zealanders, I wish the Cook Islands these things: a peaceful and prosperous future, for all Cook Islanders, for your families, for generations into the future - knowing that New Zealand remains at your side. Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
'Right to choose' key to Cook Islands-NZ relationship: Peters
By Teuila Fuatai of RNZ New Zealand's foreign minister says Cook Islanders are free to choose whether their country continues in free association with New Zealand. Winston Peters made the comment at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the constitution of the Cook Islands in Auckland today. Peters attended the community event hosted by the Upokina Taoro (East Cook Island Community Group) as part of an official contingent of MPs. Minister for Pacific Peoples Shane Reti and Labour Party deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni also attended. "We may not be perfect, but we've never wavered from our responsibilities wherever they lay," Peters said. "For six decades, we have stood by ready to support the Cook Islands economic and social development, while never losing sight of the fact that our financial support comes from the taxes of hard working New Zealanders," This week's anniversary comes at a time of increasing tension between the two nations. At the heart of that are four agreements between the Cook Islands and China, which Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed in February. The New Zealand government said it should have been consulted over the agreements, but Brown disagreed. The diplomatic disagreement has resulted in New Zealand halting $18.2 million in funding to the Cook Islands, which is a realm country of New Zealand. Under that arrangement - implemented in 1965 - the country governs its own affairs, but New Zealand provides some assistance with foreign affairs, disaster relief and defence. Peters today said the "beating heart" of the Cook Islands-New Zealand relationship was the "right to choose". "Cook Islanders are free to choose where to live, how to live, and to worship whichever God they wish." After his formal address, Peters was asked by media about the rift between the governments of the Cooks Islands and New Zealand. He referred back to his "carefully crafted" speech which he said showed "precisely what the New Zealand position is now". Brown has previously said that if New Zealand could not afford to fund the country's national infrastructure investment plan - billed at $650 million - the Cook Islands would need to look elsewhere. Brown also said in at the time that funding the development needs of the Cook Islands was a major motivator in signing the agreements with China. Discussions between officials from both countries regarding the diplomatic disagreement were ongoing.
The Diplomat
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
The Referendum Cook Islanders Deserve
Let the islands' people decide whether deepening ties with China reflect their collective aspirations – and whether the constitutional relationship with New Zealand still serves their future. From left to right: Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration of the Cook Islands Tukaka Ama, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Chinese Minister of Natural Resources Guan Zhi'ou at a signing ceremony in Beijing, China, Feb. 13, 2025. This month, the Cook Islands marks 60 years of self-governance in free association with Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a remarkable constitutional milestone for a proud Pacific nation that has long punched above its weight diplomatically and culturally. Yet what should have been a celebration of enduring partnership is instead overshadowed by diplomatic tension, public disappointment, and missed opportunity. Rather than reaffirming shared values and commemorating a Pacific success story, we are witnessing a visible drift. Senior elected leaders from New Zealand, including the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs, will not attend the 60th Constitution Celebrations in Rarotonga. More than a scheduling conflict, it is a political signal. The decision to send the governor-general as New Zealand's representative reflects a deeper concern about the Cook Islands' recent foreign policy decisions, particularly its new strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China. It is not my place to tell the Cook Islands whom to engage with. But it is my place, as a long-time advocate for democratic values, Indigenous sovereignty, and Blue Pacific peace and security, to affirm this: when a foundational constitutional relationship is potentially being redefined, the people must decide. Not just politicians. Foreign Minister Winston Peters was right to say Cook Islanders should be consulted. But the referendum he proposed, a binary choice between full independence or maintaining the status quo, is the wrong one. The real question is not whether to walk away from New Zealand. It is whether the terms of a 60-year-old relationship still serve the aspirations of Cook Islanders today, especially in a fast-changing geopolitical context. If that relationship is to evolve, the Cook Islands public must lead that conversation, not follow it. There should be a referendum, but one focused on securing public consent for any significant change to the relationship agreement with New Zealand. Cook Islanders deserve to know whether foreign policy decisions, particularly those involving large-scale economic and infrastructure partnerships, are being made in their long-term interest with appropriate transparency and accountability. This is not a critique of engaging with China or any other development partner. It is a call for sovereignty to be exercised with care, clarity, and consultation. Decisions with far-reaching consequences must be made with the people's consent. Public trust is the only path to sustainable nation-building. The absence of New Zealand's political leadership at this year's milestone celebration speaks volumes. It reveals a fragile trust at the heart of a relationship built on shared whakapapa, migration, and mutual support. Prime Minister Mark Brown has said that New Zealand cannot fund the Cook Islands' NZ$650 million ($387 million) infrastructure plan. That may be true. But it is also true that his government did not engage in good-faith consultation before signing agreements with China that may affect the wider Pacific region. Much of the infrastructure plan focuses on development in the outer islands, including proposed upgrades in Penrhyn (Tongareva). This remote atoll, home to only a small population, holds significant strategic value. While these projects are presented as economic development initiatives, they appear more aligned with China's regional interests than with the everyday needs of Cook Islands communities. There is growing concern that such infrastructure could one day support surveillance or military activity, shifting the balance of regional security without public debate or informed consent. The people of the Cook Islands deserve to know whether these developments are genuinely for their benefit or if they serve another nation's geopolitical goals. Having worked closely with Blue Pacific democracies through the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), I know that China's bilateral economic partnerships often carry hidden costs to sovereignty, to environmental sustainability, and to strategic autonomy. The Cook Islands, like all Pacific nations, has the sovereign right to determine its path. But sovereignty is also about protecting your people and maintaining relationships built on trust, transparency, and history. There is still time to recalibrate. That starts with humility, respect, and dialogue. Prime Minister Brown should recognize that New Zealand's concerns are valid, not paternalistic. New Zealand, for its part, must reaffirm its commitment to the constitutional partnership, not as a relic of the past but as a platform for the future. This moment calls for courage on both sides to recommit to shared principles and reimagine what a respectful and resilient Pacific partnership can look like in the years ahead. Most of all, it calls for the voices of the Cook Islands people to be heard. The government of the Cook Islands should consider putting its foreign policy direction to the people through consultation, public dialogue, and if appropriate, a referendum. Not to choose between independence and free association, but to shape the next chapter of that association together. Let the people decide whether deepening ties with China reflect their collective aspirations. Let them determine whether the constitutional relationship with New Zealand still serves their future. That is the essence of democratic self-governance. That is the kind of leadership the Blue Pacific needs now.
