Cook Islands: New Zealand likely to open negotiations to resolve tensions

On 19 June, New Zealand  Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, announced a pause in development assistance to the Cook Islands following a failure to provide details on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership recently signed with China. Minister Peters disclosed that further halts are likely until the differences are addressed. In response, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown stated that New Zealand’s approach appears patronising and “inconsistent with modern partnership.” PM Brown disclosed that the development assistance was intended to support the health, education and tourism sectors.

Assessment: New Zealand will likely open negotiations with the Cook Islands, aimed at resolving the diplomatic tension. However, China is likely to leverage the pause to further consolidate its formal and informal influence in the Cook Islands. China is likely to support sectors for which the development assistance was intended and offer visits for key politicians to China.

Sources: Jo Moir, Giles Dexter, “New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding in stoush over China,” RNZ, June 19, 2025; Christina Persico, Caleb Fotheringham, Don Wiseman, “Explainer: Why has New Zealand paused funding to the Cook Islands over China deal?,” RNZ, June 19, 2025; Caleb Fotheringham, “Mark Brown slams New Zealand for its 'patronising approach' over China deal,” RNZ, June 23, 2025.