Analysis: Foreign Minister Winston Peters is heading to the Cook Islands tomorrow in a move that signifies a further thawing in the frosty relationship between the two countries, writes Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver.
New Zealand has been tightlipped about any relationship progression but clearly a formal visit to Rarotonga is a significant development.
Just last week Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown met Peters in Auckland – the first engagement at a political level, albeit an informal one, since the Cook Islands signed secret agreements with China just over a year ago.
The agreements, which included enhanced cooperation in the maritime and oceans sector in areas like maritime transport and infrastructure, enraged the New Zealand Government. It was not given any details before they were finally released to the public.
As a realm country, the Cook Islands is constitutionally required under the free association agreement to consult New Zealand on defence and security. Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown told 1News at the time he didn't believe the agreements with China fell into that category.
But there have been other fallouts too – Brown wanted the country to have its own passport and the controversial cryptocurrency bill which would legalise hacking around the world.
Last week's meeting, which took place at Peters' private residence along with two officials from each side, resulted in a photo of two smiling leaders and a statement about discussing "the fundamental challenges facing the New Zealand-Cook Islands relationship over the past 18 months and possible ways forward".
Suspended aid
It was a heartening advance in the fractured relationship which has resulted in New Zealand suspending around $30 million in aid to the island country.
This has hit the Cook Islands hard given it is a cash amount given to its government to boost its budget. In the past, the aid has gone towards sectors such as education, tourism and health and they are now feeling the pinch.
Brown will no doubt be feeling under pressure to come to some resolution given his voters go to the polls later this year.
Peters has always been clear his beef has only been at political level. Last year he said New Zealand had a "duty to act" if there were actions that were "offensive to New Zealand's governing norms or were injurious to Cook Islanders then New Zealand had a duty to act on behalf of the Cook Islands".
If the Cook Islands wants independence, New Zealand wouldn't stand in the way, and the people could vote on it by referendum.
'Significant concern': NZ, Cook Islands relationship worsens
A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office said the Cook Islands had failed to share, which it is required to do as a realm country, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership "and other agreements" that Prime Minister Mark Brown is about to sign with China.
February 9, 2025
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Given the Cook Islands population values having a New Zealand passport and all the benefits, including medical care, that come with that, it's clear how unpopular breaking away from New Zealand would be.
For the Cook Islands people who are eyeing future fuel price hikes and the resulting cost of living pressures, a healing of the relationship couldn't come at a better time. Both countries need each other – there's hopes this visit will build the necessary bridge to take the relationship back to where it should be.
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