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NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Why Winston Peters and Mark Brown need help in resolving the dispute between Cook Islands and NZ
He is the elder statesman Foreign Minister who committed New Zealand to the 'Pacific Reset' in 2018, reorienting New Zealand's foreign policy and budget towards the Pacific, who distanced himself from China and got closer to traditional partners, urging them to get more active in the region to head off the ambitions of China. Like other Five Eyes partners, he has reason to believe China's long-term ambitions in the Pacific include maritime enterprises and infrastructure projects that could evolve into supporting visits or even bases for its burgeoning naval fleet, the largest in the world. In Brown, you've got the younger bull who seemed like a breath of fresh air when he took over as Prime Minister from Puna in 2020. Brown went to school in Gisborne and Massey University, studied business, was entrepreneurial, had ideas for how to develop the Cook Islands economy and make it less dependent on aid. He took to the international stage, representing the Cooks at summits, conferences and events, including the Queen's funeral. He thinks big. He was active in promoting the potential of mining its own cobalt-rich nodules on the sea floor in its extensive EEZ. He signed a five-year deal with China in February, informing New Zealand about it, not consulting it, on the basis that it was not a defence or security arrangement. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Cook Islands in his office in Rarotonga in June 2022. Photo / Audrey Young It was a face-palm moment for New Zealand. Peters clearly takes the broader view that any such partnership will impact on New Zealand's security interests in the region and it should clearly have been consulted. Pivotal to New Zealand's reputation globally is its influence and relationships within the Pacific. To have the leader of your closest Pacific partner thumb his nose at New Zealand was not just a disagreement; it was a humiliation. It undermines New Zealand's standing. The fact that there is such a gulf between the countries over respective obligations is confirmation that the existing arrangements are not fit for purpose. They are not clear enough. It is a crisis of such importance to New Zealand's interests that it needs greater attention than it has had in the past six months – and a bit of mediation help. That needs to happen just as soon as the last guest leaves the magnificent party in Rarotonga they've been holding to mark 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand, also called Constitution Day celebrations, or Te Maeva Nui, held annually. It was perfectly in order for Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to boycott the celebrations this year and send the Governor-General to represent New Zealand. After all, the very understanding of what 'self-government in free association with New Zealand' means in practice is at the heart of the dispute between the Cooks and New Zealand. It means some involvement by New Zealand in the Cooks, but when, why and how needs greater clarity, as it did in 1973 between Norman Kirk and Albert Henry and in 2001 between Helen Clark and Terepai Maoate when questions arose about the Cooks' evolving nationhood. Mark Brown and Winston Peters in 2024 after talks in the Cooks Islands. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon The boycott was all the more evident with Luxon's attendance at Papua New Guinea's 50th anniversary of independence this week. Speeches about the Cooks by Peters and Cooks' consul general Keu Mataroa in Auckland on Monday, and Dame Cindy yesterday in the Cooks itself were positive enough about the relationship. It would have served no purpose to be otherwise. What support Brown has within the Cook Islands population for the China partnership is subject to conjecture. He faced a no-confidence vote by an Opposition party in February, by 13 votes to nine. The Cooks' own version of waka jumping legislation of 2007 is a disincentive for any MP to vote no-confidence in the party under which they were elected – they can have their seat declared vacant. Progress to address the differences has been so slow that New Zealand has withheld about $20 million in aid. That was characterised by Brown as paternalistic and by others as bullying. If that riles New Zealand, Peters' own characterisation of the issues irks Brown. Peters has often characterised it as a dispute that involves a choice of the Cooks keeping New Zealand citizenship or not, and he has challenged Brown to put it to a referendum. New Zealand could be tempted to drag out any resolution, perhaps believing that the Cook Islands election in August 2026 will serve as a de facto referendum on the issue and that Brown will be roundly beaten. But there are dangers in that. Peters, more than most, knows the potency of nationalism at the hands of a skilful politician. The relationship is too vital to be left to the whims of an election campaign. The Cooks and New Zealand need help in mediating this dispute. There are no doubt friends on the ground in the Cook Islands who are trying to help repair the damage. But it needs outside, high-level and focused help. Two names spring to mind. Sir Don McKinnon, who has experience in bringing parties together (Bougainville) and has sensitivities to small island states, both as his time as former Foreign Minister and as the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The other is Murray McCully, also a former Foreign Minister of New Zealand and an honorary resident of the Cook Islands, such is his long and close association with the country. There could well be others in the Pacific who would fit the bill. Of course, no mediator could be imposed on the Cook Islands. Both parties would need to agree to their assistance, but this impasse needs a kickstart. It would not be a sign of failure by Peters if he agreed to it. It would be a sign that he was actually motivated to make progress. Whatever was happening before isn't working.
Scoop
6 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.
Scoop
03-08-2025
- Scoop
Outer Islands' Delicacies In Hot Demand At Cook Islands 60th Anniversary Celebrations
Unique island specialties are selling fast at the Cook Islands 60th Constitution celebrations trade days in Rarotonga. Ngatokorua Elisa from the Northern Group Island told RNZ Pacific her Manihiki Island stall is sold out of pa'ua or giant clam. "Manihiki we're the only ones that have pa'ua on our island and pa'ua is a really famous dish here and everyone hardly gets to eat it," Elisa said. For Koi Bishop from Aitutaki, she is all out of coconut oil made the traditional way - dried in the sun, not cooked. It also includes a part of a particular crab that is mixed in. Deon Frispie sold uto drinks at the Palmerston stall. "It's the sprout of the coconut, the foam meat in the coconut, we grate it up and squeeze it out." The Cook Islands is made up of 15 islands, 12 are inhabited, which are spread across an area the size of Mexico. Te Maeva Nui, which is the name for the Cook Islands Constitution celebrations, allows a chance for the Pa Enua (outer islands) to reconnect with people they do not often see. A running tradition is for each island to donate food to the others. On Wednesday local time (Thursday NZT), it was Penrhyn's turn and Mayor Rangitava Taia was busy loading up a tray for the delivery. "We've been doing this in the past, sharing, caring, among each island," he said. Mayor of Manihiki Joseph Hiro said living in the outer islandsis far from easy. "[It's] very challenging at times, especially with the shipping, now we're having to wait more than three months for a boat from Raro to get to Manihiki." The Pa Enua have unique infrastructure challenges: power is often rationed, food staples can run out quickly, and so can fresh water, which from time to time needs to be shipped in. There is also a constant battle with depopulation. Hiro said the worst he saw it was in 1997 after Cyclone Martin significantly damaged the black pearl industry. "So most of the people travel from Manihiki to here and went to New Zealand, seeking green pastures while we stayed back behind trying to revitalise the pearl industry." In 2011, Manihiki had a population of 239 now it's about 215. For Southern Group island Mangaia there were 572 people living there in 2011 now it's about 470. King of Mangaia, Numangatini Ariki Tangi Tereapii said people leaving has been a problem for the last 20 years. "I think we are down to the bare minimum, to care for the land and also for the development of the island, we need more people back," Tereapii said. But bringing people back is not easy, Mangaia is the second biggest island in the Cook Islands, next to Rarotonga, and Tereapii believes there are economic opportunities in agriculture. "We can't just bring people back, they need employment, they need a little bit of income on the island, so yes, few people decided to come back and they are the ones currently working on the land, working on the island, trying to build up their small business." For Manihiki, Hiro hoped an upgraded airstrip, which is the pipeline, will kick start tourism. "Even though [it would be] on a small scale, at least there will be something, and probably that would bring back Manihikians to go back into pearl farming, that will also attract the tourists back into Manihiki."
ABC News
29-07-2025
- ABC News
Cook Islands holds 60th Te Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations
The island of Rarotonga, is bursting with beauty, colour and pride as thousands have travelled to the Cook Islands capital for their 60th Te Maeva Nui Constitution celebrations. Villages, outer islands and disapora from Australia and Aotearoa have been preparing for months for Te Maeva Nui with many even travelling by boat to get to Rarotonga for the festivities. The week long-event is a lead up to the 60th anniversary of the nation's self-governance in free association with New Zealand on August 4th. The Cook Islands people are adament to not let the recent diplomatic tension with New Zealand dampen the diamond jubilee.
RNZ News
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Cook Islands: Te Maeva Nui opens with electrifying performances
By Melina Etches , Cook Islands News The Manihiki Henua warrior women stormed the stage with their riveting pe'e. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The first night of Te Maeva Nui cultural performances set the stage ablaze with a stunning display of passion, tradition, and artistry, drawing loud cheers from a full house of over 2000 spectators at Te Are Karioi Nui (national auditorium) in Rarotonga. The evening opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe'e. Their fierce energy and strength provided a fitting introduction to the rest of the night's vibrant cultural items. From start to finish, the performances on Saturday (Sunday NZT) showcased exceptional choreography, creativity, and storytelling. Te Maeva Nui cultural performances opened with the powerful Manihiki Henua warrior women, who stormed the stage with their commanding reo tupuna/ pe'e, a fitting introduction for the rest of the cultural items on the first night of performances on Saturday. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The rhythmic kapa rima and pulsating ura pa'u captivated the crowd, while the spirited ute brought smiles as the younger performers danced with joy. Outside the auditorium, the atmosphere was just as electric. The big screen under the domes attracted a packed audience, eager to witness the culmination of months of preparation, long hours of rehearsals, and meticulous costume-making. Oire Nikao followed Manihiki with a ute, featuring young girls who danced and sang with infectious enthusiasm. Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua with their powerful pe'e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches Vaka Takitumu was next, presenting a kapa rima led by two singers, with a large team of talented young dancers in beautifully designed costumes. A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took to the stage with a ura pa'u led by the men, while the women delivered a spirited and heartfelt performance. Tapuahua Rakahanaga Henua followed with their powerful pe'e, where the strong presence of women captivated the audience and earned enthusiastic applause. A'ua'u Enua Mangaia took the stage, led by the men in a ura pa'u performance that drew loud applause for its coordination. Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their harmonious, well-choreographed kapa rima. Nicolea Mateariki (left) assisted with the choreography. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches Nukuroa Enua Mitiaro then delivered a heartwarming ute, singing with such spirit that the audience couldn't help but cheer. Their lively closing antics on stage added a playful touch to the night. One of the evening's highlights came from Akatokamanava Mauke Enua with their kapa rima. Their trio of women - led by the vocals of Nicolea Mateariki -delivered a breathtaking opening song. Their harmonious chorus of voices from the entire team and graceful movements from the women, paired with strong male dancing, roused screams of appreciation from the audience. Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight – was nothing short of electrifying delivering their ura pau. Photo: Cook Islands News / Melina Etches The energy peaked as the finale by Enuamanu Atiu Enua, another fantastic highlight - was nothing short of electrifying. Their vibrant ura pa'u shook the auditorium, with both men and women moving in perfect unison, earning thunderous applause and cheers. The Atiu women, adorned in stunning costumes, mesmerised the audience with their graceful and skillful hip movements. The cultural magic continues Tuesday (Monday, local time), with another round of spectacular performances kicking off at 7pm.
