Cook Islands leader outlines tensions with NZ, says sovereignty is 'not up for negotiation'

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has provided a detailed explanation of the ongoing diplomatic tensions with New Zealand, sharing a timeline of talks that have been taking place for several months.

During a parliamentary address on Tuesday, Brown clarified the Cook Islands' position and its efforts to resolve the issues amid speculation over development ties with China and New Zealand’s decision to suspend nearly NZ$30 million in support.

Brown told MPs that officials and ministers engaged "across every formal channel available" to address Wellington’s concerns about China.

The engagement included the 2024 Joint Ministerial Forum, a July Working Group for senior officials, multiple bilateral meetings, and the New Formal Dialogue Mechanism to discuss New Zealand’s concerns.

Brown stressed that the Cook Islands participated in every meeting, responded to all correspondence, and sought solutions to preserve the partnership.

On 13 October, New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters, wrote to Brown confirming an $11.6m funding pause for the 2026/2027 financial year. The decision follows a $18.2m pause announced in June for the current financial year.

Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters. Photo/MFAT NZ

Brown says the funding pause will negatively impact the Cook Islands’ budget and public service.

New Zealand's decision to withhold core sector support funding came after the Cook Islands signed several agreements with China in February, which Peters’ office considers a breach of trust.

Brown confirmed that he has personally written to New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Peters several times since February. In the letters, Brown reaffirmed the Cook Islands’ commitment to the Realm relationship and outlined its legal and constitutional position.

PM Mark Brown and PM Christopher Luxon. Photo/MFAI-Cook Islands

He also asked for direct political dialogue to reach a mutual understanding, stressing the need for transparency, mutual respect, and clarity on both sides.

Alongside that political correspondence, the Cook Islands has proposed a range of practical options designed to restore trust while maintaining its autonomy.

Brown says these proposals included risk-mitigation measures addressing specific concerns raised by Wellington, a more modern consultation process linked to the Joint Centenary Declaration, and an offer for direct engagement at the Prime Minister and ministerial levels.

He says his government also proposed options for security and defence arrangements that position New Zealand as the Cook Islands’ “primary partner of choice”, along with deliverables aimed at rebuilding confidence between the two countries. He emphasised that all these proposals “remain on the table”.

Despite the funding pause, Brown reaffirmed his priority in restoring trust and maintaining a strong partnership with New Zealand through continued negotiations.

A major part of Brown’s statement was dedicated to reminding MPs of their self-governing status in free association with New Zealand. Brown also quoted former Prime Minister Albert Henry’s speech to the United Nations in 1965, emphasising that the Cook Islands is not under anyone’s “domination or control”, a sentiment that remains crucial today.

What started the standoff? Watch below:

Reflecting on the year, Brown says officials have been working to protect vital areas for the nation’s future: sovereignty, international reputation, and economic resilience. He urged MPs to support officials in fostering the relationship with New Zealand.

Brown says the current tensions highlight the need for a measured, proactive approach to international partnerships rooted in respect under the free-association framework.

He also highlighted the importance of economic diversification, noting that heavy reliance on a single external development partner poses risks.

In contrast to the current situation in the Cook Islands, Niue has strengthened its free-association partnership with New Zealand. Last week, the ‘Rock of Polynesia’ reaffirmed its relationship with New Zealand, establishing engagement timelines and clarifying mutual commitments on land, airspace, foreign affairs, and development assistance.

Brown says the Cook Islands remains committed to its relationship with New Zealand and will continue to act “in good faith”, but emphasised that the partnership must be built on clarity and respect from both sides.

“We will continue to engage,” he told Parliament. “And with their support, we will continue to protect the interests of our people as a proud, self-governing state within the Realm.”