Cook Islands govt puts NZ citizenship at risk

For months, the New Zealand and Cook Islands' governments have been embroiled in a standoff which may have resulted in citizens of the Pacific Island nation losing their Kiwi citizenship status.

Documents released to 1News show the Cook Islands' prime minister Mark Brown has been pushing hard for a separate passport and citizenship for his country – while also hoping to maintain its special relationship as a realm country of New Zealand.

In 1965, the Cook Islands became self-governing in free association with New Zealand.

The country runs its own affairs at home and overseas, while the people have Kiwi passports with access to services in New Zealand such as hospitals. New Zealand also has a commitment to ongoing financial assistance.

But the New Zealand Government has told Brown the Cook Islands that it cannot have both, and that his nation should either remain in free association with New Zealand or — if it ploughs ahead with its idea — choose the option which would be "akin to independence".

In a statement to 1News, a Government spokesperson said it expected Brown to be upfront with his people.

"If he wishes to create a separate Cook Islands passport and citizenship then he is advocating independence from New Zealand.

"Prime minister Brown needs to make it clear to Cook Islanders that they can have a Cook Islands passport or a New Zealand one ... they cannot have both."

After being approached for comment, Brown did a swift turnaround, saying the Cook Islands government "will not be implementing anything that affects our important status as the part of the four countries that make up the Realm of New Zealand".

However, the documents released show escalating tension in the last few months between the two countries over the issue.

A summary outlines the events of back-to-back meetings Brown had, last month, one with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and another with Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

Luxon told Brown that if he persisted with his proposal, then the Cook Islands would have to become independent — and New Zealand would be open to discussing that.

In a follow-up letter, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand would not support a separate passport and citizenship under the current relationship.

"Any proposal to change this foundational concept would need to be agreed in partnership with New Zealand and would also need to be put to the people of the Cook Islands through a referendum."

Both emphasised that the proposal was "constitutionally unworkable".

Liana Scott, president of the Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council, said, even before a referendum: "I think there needs to be robust discussions on the pros and cons”.

Several local residents 1News spoke to were enraged over the lack of consultation on the potential option. Others said that the free access between the two countries was invaluable, especially when it came to healthcare.

An identity document, which wouldn't affect the Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand, is likely on the cards now that the passport and citizenship idea is off the table.

Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown said being able to identify as a Cook Islander is becoming more and more important for his country.

"The Pacific and particularly Polynesian resurgence in culture, language, arts, sports, affinity to our land and our traditional ways reinforces our people’s desire to identify as a Cook Islander."