Cook Islands: Formal relations with New Zealand unlikely to be affected by China deal
On 25 February, Prime Minister (PM) Mark Brown defeated a motion of no confidence (MONC) raised following a recent agreement sealed with China and a move to create a Cook Islands passport. The New Zealand government divulged that it was not consulted in the Cook Islands-China deal as required by their free association status. PM Brown comfortably won the vote with 13 out of 22 votes, including full support from his party. stated that the MONC, moved by the opposition leader Teariki Heather was built on misinformation citing that his government had consulted with Wellington for months about the agreement but New Zealand media have said the Cook Islands never consulted. PM Brown stated that New Zealand’s move was not about consultation but control, emphasising that New Zealand was unhappy with Cook Islands’ expression of its self-determination.
Assessment: The divided support from the public and parliament reveals that PM Brown has not provided details regarding the deal to either group. The misunderstanding between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is unlikely to affect the formal relationship status between them. The Cook Islands through its PM is interested in engaging both China and New Zealand to get the most benefit from all partners. However, PM Brown’s actions are likely to cause unintended consequences including falling public support and further Chinese encroachment due to manipulation of the likely vague terms. PM Brown’s talks on self-determination after defeating the MONC is a likely indication of redefining Cook Islands’ roadmap to autonomy under the free association relationship with New Zealand.
Sources: “Cook Islands PM Brown beats no-confidence vote, slams New Zealand,” Pacific Islands News Association, February 25, 2025; “Prime Minister Mark Brown has survived a motion in parliament aimed at ousting his government” February, 26 2025; Caleb Fotheringham, “Watch: Cook Islanders march in Avarua against Mark Brown government,” February 18, 2025.
