Cook Islands to launch ‘symbolic’ passport and retain NZ ties

As part of celebrating 60 years of statehood, the Cook Islands will launch a symbolic passport that will not alter its constitutional relationship with New Zealand.

Reacting to media reports on the passport issue, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown reaffirmed, in a press release, his Government’s commitment to preserving its constitutional relationship with New Zealand.

Media have reported that a spokesperson for New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters said the Cook Islands could only have its own passport if the country gave up New Zealand citizenship.

But Brown says the ‘symbolic’ purpose of the Cook Islands passport is to celebrate the nation’s heritage and identity.

“Let me be absolutely clear - our government has no intention of altering the constitutional relationship that has long defined the strength and unity of the Realm of New Zealand,” Brown said.

“The Cook Islands is one of four countries that make up the Realm of New Zealand, and we remain New Zealand citizens, and that will not change.”

According to Brown, the Cook Islands passport initiative aims to foster national pride and serve as a marker of cultural identity.

It will not replace the New Zealand passport or citizenship but acknowledges the Cook Islands’ distinct heritage.

“We continue to work closely with New Zealand, and any steps forward will be guided by collaboration, consultation, and respect for our shared history,” he said.

Watch NZ's Foreign Affairs Minister on Pacific Mornings in October this year.

When Peters was asked by Pacific Mornings host William Terite in October about the prospect of the Cook Islands establishing its own passport, he said that was a decision for the people.

"All politics is about the people in the end, not the leadership, not politicians. What would the people in the Cook Islands want to do? What would they want? That might be not what the politicians want. So I'd like to know that."

Prime Minister Brown said the launch of the symbolic passport is part of celebrations and initiatives that will be announced to recognise the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance.

He said a series of initiatives have been designed to unite the community, celebrate local culture, and honour the bond with New Zealand.

“Our people, our culture, and our shared history are at the heart of these celebrations.

“We know who we are, and we know that we have a nation of our own. Let us celebrate that as we continue to grow as a nation,” he said.