Cook Islands at a crossroads: Calls for honesty and renewed Pacific partnership

Tuesday, New Zealand time, marks 60 years since the establishment of the Cook Islands as a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand.

The relationship is now caught between legacy and ambition, sovereignty and partnership.

Aupito William Sio, former Minister for Pacific Peoples and chair of the Council of Chiefs for the Pacific General Assembly, is attending the celebrations as an act of solidarity.

He believes that the Cook Islands, like many Pacific nations, stands at a crossroads where partnership and sovereignty must evolve together in balance.

Speaking to Tauraki Rongo on PMN Cook Islands, Aupito urges reflection on the intentions and aspirations of those who signed the Constitution in 1965.

“As we move towards celebrating 60th and the issue of Cook Islands self-governance, I think the moment calls for wisdom and humility.

Watch Aupito William Sio's full interview.

“What future did they envision for the Cook Islands? Was the partnership with New Zealand intended as a permanent arrangement, or was self-governance seen as a stepping stone toward full independence?

“And as we honour their legacy, we must continue to ask ourselves what constitutional maturity and self-determination look like for the Cook Islands today, and for generations to come.”

A political tightrope

Despite the milestone, the absence of New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters has raised concerns that their once-close relationship is deteriorating.

The 60th Celebrations include the Te Maeva Nui cultural festival and float parade.

Current tensions mainly arise from the Cook Islands government’s increasingly close engagement with China. Critics argue that the relationship has advanced too quickly, with insufficient public consultation and regard for the long-standing alliance with New Zealand.

Tangata Vainerere, Clerk of the Cook Islands Parliament, admits that navigating the political environment is challenging.

Speaking to William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Vainerere insists there’s “nothing wrong” with the Cook Islands pursuing development opportunities with other partners.

“We’ve signed diplomatic arrangements with many countries... There are certain aspects of our development that they can support.

“Right now, with the relationship with China, New Zealand and our government are not on good terms... but we have to learn how to agree to disagree.”

Watch Vainerere Tangata's full interview.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Tina Browne is openly critical of Prime Minister Mark Brown’s handling of foreign affairs.

“I said it was reckless,” she tells Terite of the growing ties with China. “I have no difficulty with [ambition] in terms of being economically sustainable, and I understand why we go out looking for partners. But I do have difficulty with China... He’s certainly not looking in the Pacific to see and learn from what’s happening here.”

Browne also disputes the idea that the diplomatic rift is Wellington’s fault.

On the possibility of mending the relationship with New Zealand, Browne believes it starts with honest, face-to-face communication.

“We’re the ones that went to New Zealand and made the suggestion about the passport, not New Zealand ... We’re the ones that caused the problem. We go fix it.

Watch the full interview with Tina Browne.

“Why aren’t we sitting face-to-face and saying, ‘Look, if I’ve offended you, I’m sorry’?” she asks. “The whole Cook Islands is hanging on this little tiny edge, waiting for this to happen.”

Looking ahead

For Aupito, the 60th anniversary should catalyse a discussion about the future, including exploring a national passport for the Cook Islands.

“We must continue to ask ourselves what constitutional maturity and self-determination look like for the Cook Islands today, and for generations to come. May this anniversary catalyse a deeper dialogue on what constitutional maturity looks like when rooted in Pacific values of respect, reciprocity and restoration.”

Aupito says the Cook Islands should be supported in considering the issuance of their own national passport, not to sever ties, but to express sovereignty and pride.

“National identity is never diminished by the assertion of one's own voice.”

Looking ahead to the next election, Browne says her party will not support a move towards independence, at least not yet.

“I like the idea of us building ourselves up so that we are self-sustainable ... But we’re not there yet. Not by miles.”

After a week of celebrations, a ceremony will be held at midday on Tuesday, New Zealand time, at the National Auditorium. A closing concert with artists including Brother Love and fireworks will be held on Wednesday.