Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has indicated that he is prepared to renegotiate constitutional ties with New Zealand, emphasizing that any new agreements must clearly reflect his nation’s increased independence, rather than reverting to what he describes as a colonial-era relationship.
Brown’s remarks risk escalating diplomatic tensions with Wellington, following a contentious period involving disputes over agreements signed with China and proposals for a Cook Islands-specific passport.
Diplomatic friction over China’s involvement
Central to the dispute are recent agreements signed between the Cook Islands and China, notably a “blue economy” pact focused on seabed mineral exploration and port development. New Zealand has expressed concerns that these agreements violate longstanding constitutional arrangements, established in 1965, 1973, and 2001, which require the Cook Islands to consult with Wellington on foreign policy and security matters.
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Brown, speaking to ABC’s The Pacific program, rejected these accusations, stating clearly that the China agreements contain no security provisions and merely provide a commercial framework. He stressed that any developments would require explicit approval from local landowners.
“I’ve been very clear that within this agreement there are no arrangements for security that they were fearful of that might be contained in these agreements,” said Brown, reiterating his commitment to existing security partnerships with Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand seeks clarity, asserts constitutional obligations
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with Brown’s recent policy moves. Peters has suggested that current arrangements need to be “reset,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to agreements underpinning the special relationship between the two countries.
“The Cook Islands is not a fully independent and sovereign state,” a spokesperson for Peters explained. “Unless that changes via a referendum, the Cook Islands is bound by a long-standing constitutional understanding that it must not pursue policies significantly at variance with New Zealand interests.”
The spokesperson further added that any decision towards full independence would need to reflect the will of Cook Islanders rather than political leaders alone.
Brown rejects comparison to Tuvalu’s arrangement with Australia
Brown categorically dismissed suggestions that a new arrangement could resemble the Falepili Union between Australia and Tuvalu, where Australia retains veto power over Tuvalu’s security agreements. He emphasized that such an arrangement represents a substantial compromise of sovereignty—something he firmly rejects for the Cook Islands.
“Tuvalu made quite a sacrifice of its sovereignty,” Brown stated. “If there’s anything, I would see a review of our arrangement which recognizes the fact that the Cook Islands—not only is it one of the first countries to achieve high-income status in the region, but it’s one that is well-respected within the region for being able to have its own voice and make its own choices.”
Constitutional arrangements under scrutiny
Though Prime Minister Brown insists he is not actively seeking to overhaul the constitutional arrangement, he is open to reviewing outdated agreements. “It may be a matter now for reviewing those documents in light of the fact the Cook Islands is now a much more independent country than it was in 1965,” he remarked.
However, Peters and New Zealand remain firm, asserting their concerns over recent developments, including a stalled proposal by Brown to introduce a Cook Islands passport separate from New Zealand’s.
Calls for dialogue amidst rising tensions
Brown expressed his readiness for dialogue, emphasizing that he is still awaiting feedback from New Zealand regarding their review of the documents. However, a spokesperson for Peters stated that concerns had been expressed repeatedly and had yet to be substantially addressed by the Cook Islands.
“These concerns relate to both the substance and scope of the agreements and the fact the Cook Islands government consulted neither the Cook Islands people nor New Zealand before signing them,” the spokesperson said. “We have sought urgent and meaningful engagement.”
The future of Cook Islands-New Zealand relations
The diplomatic disagreement illustrates broader tensions around influence and autonomy in the Pacific region, particularly amid rising strategic competition involving China. For now, Cook Islands-New Zealand relations remain uncertain, with significant dialogue and negotiation likely required to resolve this impasse.
The outcome could reshape the political and constitutional landscape, affecting regional geopolitics in the Pacific and beyond.
