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The Diplomat
11 hours ago
- 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.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Henry Puna returns as president of Cook Islands Party
Pacific Islands Forum secretary general, Henry Puna. Photo: Forumsec Former Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Puna has been appointed president of the ruling Cook Islands Party (CIP). The CIP is the party of Prime Minister Mark Brown, who continues to serve as party leader. Puna has also previously served as CIP leader. A statement from Cook Islands Party said Puna brings "unparalleled experience" in his former roles as, party president, party leader, Prime Minister, and head of the Pacific Islands Forum. "His return to the Party Executive signals a renewed sense of stability, unity, and strategic focus," the statement said. "With Henry Puna as President, and Mark Brown leading as Prime Minister and Party Leader, the Cook Islands Party is confident in its future direction and leadership." Former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna has been appointed president of the Cook Islands Party. Photo: Cook Islands Party The change in president comes as the governments of New Zealand and the Cook Islands are in an increased time of tension stemming from what Wellington views as a lack of consultation over deals Brown signed with China in February. New Zealand paused $18.2m in development assistance last month. The statement from the party said delegates were briefed on the current diplomatic challenges between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. "One of the immediate priorities for the new Party President is to work closely with the Party Leader and Prime Minister to navigate these issues and uphold the interests of the Cook Islands," the statement said. The annual general meeting was held on Thursday local time on Rarotonga and was attended by representatives from all 24 electorates.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Cook Islands kicks off 60th Constitution celebrations with a sea of colour
By Melina Etches , Cook Islands News Prime Minister Mark Brown lights the cauldron to officially open the nation's 60th Te Maeva Nui festival, celebrating the theme 'Kua kite au i toku turanga, e Avaiki toku' (I know who I am, I have a homeland). Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches Rarotonga burst into a sea of beauty, colour, pride and joy as the Cook Islands officially opened its 60th Te Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations on Friday local time. Avarua township was alive with energy as well over a thousand people gathered to witness the vibrant float parade and official opening ceremony. The street was a heartwarming, spectacular sight, filled with colourful ei, pareu and team polos, while the sounds of music, song and dance echoed through the heart of town. Crowds lined the route from the Avarua roundabout, where formalities and performances took place, stretching all the way to Avatiu. The sacred Te Maeva Nui flame, lit at the King's Representative's office in Titikaveka, was carried by the Boys Brigade to the opening ceremony. The flame was placed on beautifully carved torch stands and officially lit by the three pillars of Cook Islands society - traditional leaders (Ui Ariki) represented by Kaumaiti Nui Tou Travel Ariki, the church (Ekalesia) represented by Bishop Tutai Pere, and the government (Kavamani) represented by Prime Minister Mark Brown, who ignited the cauldron. Mangaia youngsters dancing with joy during the 2025 Te Maeva Nui float parade, marking the official opening of the 60th Te Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations yesterday. MELINA ETCHES/25072548 Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches In his address, Prime Minister Mark Brown reflected on the country's journey. "Today we celebrate 60 years of our Cook Islands nation. Sixty years of the transformation of our country and the transformation of our people," Brown said. "Kua kite au i toku turanga, e Avaiki toku (I know who I am, I have a homeland). This tells a story of us - our Cook Islands people, our nation of islands and ocean. "Let us remember, we are the descendants of voyagers, not afraid to navigate the ocean to find new lands that today we call home. We continue to navigate these waters today, reaching Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and becoming part of the fabric of society in those countries. When we look back at 60 years, we have grown - in population, culture, leadership, ownership, and presence. "This is a celebration this year about us, by us. We welcome our family from Aotearoa New Zealand, from Australia, and our friends from around the world. Your presence strengthens our bonds and our identity as Cook Islanders." Forty-five brilliantly decorated floats paraded through the streets, each one telling its own story of heritage and pride. Performances by Te Maeva Nui cultural teams from the Pa Enua brought the streets to life with heartfelt songs and dances, showcasing the richness of Cook Islands culture. King's representative Sir Tom Marsters and Lady Tuaine Marsters, government ministers, and Ui Ariki from across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua joined the celebrations, which were coordinated by the Ministry of Cultural Development (Tauranga Vananga). - Cook Islands News
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
New Zealand not part of 'trifecta' with Cook Islands and China, Winston Peters says
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, left, and Cook Islands Prime MinisterMark Brown. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Islands Forum/123RF Winston Peters says the Cook Islands has described its relationship with New Zealand as "part of a trifecta" when dealing with China. The comment from the New Zealand foreign minister comes at a time of increased tension between Cook Islands and New Zealand. At the heart of that tension is four agreements Cook Islands signed with China in February. Peters told Pacific Waves "there are things going wrong". He also rejected Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown's position that the two nations had a reciprocal relationship , therefore neither had to consult one another on foreign trade arrangements. "They were required under our arrangement and agreement to consult with us when these matters might affect more widely themselves but also other countries and our relationship," Peters said. "To describe us as part of a trifecta when we've got the special relationship for 60 years is utterly wrong." A spokesman for Peters clarified Peters was referring to the way New Zealand had effectively been described as a third-party by the Cook Islands in its agreements with China. Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand. Under that arrangement, implemented in 1965, the country governed its own affairs, but New Zealand provided assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief and defence. Despite that, the current diplomatic rift has resulted in a pause in funding of $18.2 million by the New Zealand government. That occurred last month. And while there have been ongoing discussions between the two nations, this week Prime Minister Mark Brown told a Cook Islands audience that if New Zealand could not afford to fund the country's national infrastructure investment plan - funding the development needs of the Cook Islands was a major motivator in signing the agreements with China. Peters' responded by challenging Brown to call a referendum - a position he doubled-down on when he spoke to Pacific Waves . "They can let us know whether they want the relationship or whether they want independence," he said. "Because if you behave like you want independence, then above all, that, should be up to the Cook Islands people to decide, not just a temporarily-empowered politician or government." The whole population of the Cook Islands should have a say, he said. "Politicians come and go, governments come and go, ministers come and go. But our purpose is to ensure the long-term, enduring relationship between the New Zealand people and the Cook Islands people." Peters also touched on previous disagreements with the Cook Islands over its sovereignty and foreign policy arrangements. "There were times in the past when this issue arose and we had agreements and pacts, declarations or statements … to give us the parameters of our future relationship, as we last did in [2001] under Helen Clark and [Terepai] Moate, who was then the prime minister of the Cook Islands. "And here we are, 24 years … on and that has been called into question. So we are saying… if it's going to change, then we are accountable to the Cook Islands people. Next month, the Cook Islands celebrates its 60th constitution anniversary. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was due to attend as the New Zealand government's representative. Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have said they would not attend - a move that has been labelled a snub amidst the break-down in bilateral relations. Peters said Kiro was the appropriate representative from New Zealand. "We're sending the highest person constitutionally in our country to go… this is very fitting."
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
New Zealand challenges Cook Islands PM to independence vote after his comments on China
By Losirene Lacanivalu , Cook Islands A spokesperson for the Office of the Cook Islands PM said the Cook Islands government remains committed to its constitutional relationship with New Zealand. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon New Zealand has called on Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown to test the views of the Cook Islands people and hold a referendum on independence from New Zealand following his latest defence of agreements with China. New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this comment in response to PM Brown's recent statement defending the nation's new strategic partnership with China, as he cited the need for diverse international partners to fund a $650 million infrastructure plan. Speaking at the opening of the Pa Enua Governance Forum on Monday local time, Brown said that if NZ cannot help fund their proposed infrastructure plan, then the country "will go somewhere else and look for that help" . A spokesperson for the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs told Cook Islands News that these comments are the latest in a long line of public statements by Brown over the past year that "have badly mischaracterised the New Zealand Government's approach to our foreign policy and our relationship with the Cook Islands". "With each mischaracterisation of the New Zealand approach, Prime Minister Brown makes it harder to restore trust in the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship." The spokesperson said that it has been clear to New Zealand for some time that Brown, "bristles at the constraints placed on him by the Cook Islands' free association relationship with New Zealand, and that he wishes for the Cook Islands to be completely free of those constraints". "If Prime Minister Brown wishes to run a foreign and defence policy without the need to consult New Zealand, and in contravention of New Zealand interests, then he ought to respect the Cook Islands people enough to test their views and call a referendum on independence from New Zealand. "New Zealand has always made clear that should the Cook Islands people wish to become independent of New Zealand, then we would support them in their wish. For its part, the New Zealand Government deeply values the free association model and its cherished relationship with the Cook Islands people." A spokesperson for the Office of the Cook Islands PM (Wednesday NZT) defended the comments PM Brown made on Monday. "The Prime Minister's remarks at the Pa Enua Governance Forum reflected a conversation with island leaders about the delivery of infrastructure and development outcomes. They were not a statement on foreign policy, and should not be read as a departure from the Cook Islands' long-standing relationship with New Zealand," the spokesperson said. "The Government remains committed to its constitutional relationship with New Zealand and to the constructive engagement currently underway between our two countries. "We have no further comment to make." On Monday (Tuesday NZT), PM Brown addressed the need for Cook Islands to have diverse international partners to fund a multi-million-dollar infrastructure plan that New Zealand alone cannot support, despite NZ's concerns and paused funding. He said that the country's national infrastructure investment plan costs $650m for infrastructural work across the country, including buildings, transportation, and so on. "New Zealand can't afford to give us that amount of money…we have to develop our partnerships with other larger countries to get the support we need to meet our infrastructure needs," Brown said. "Let me set the record straight about the reality of life, we need to build our infrastructure, we need to improve our standards in the Pa Enua, me kare rauka mai ta te Nuti Reni (if we can't get help from New Zealand), we will go somewhere else and look for that help, and that's what we've been doing." The New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said: "For 60 years, it has delivered a great deal for the development of the Cook Islands and its people. Indeed, the living standards in the Cook Islands are a testament to the free association model's success." "New Zealand looks forward to celebrating 60 years of free association on 4 August with the Cook Islands people, both in Rarotonga via the visit of Her Excellency the Governor-General and at events in New Zealand." Opposition MP and Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather, who disagrees with a referendum for independence, says, "We should never forget the hand that has fed us all these years." Heather said that if PM Brown were to demand independence, he would organise a rally and protest against it, adding that Brown "should resign as Prime Minister of this country". -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .
