Luxon under fire for prioritising PNG over Cook Islands 60th anniversary celebration

The decision by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to attend Papua New Guinea’s 50th-anniversary celebration instead of the Cook Islands’ 60th Constitutional Celebrations has drawn criticism from the Green Party’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Teanau Tuiono.

Speaking to William Terite for Pacific Mornings in Rarotonga, Tuiono emphasised the significance of the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

He described the absence of New Zealand government representatives at this week’s event as a major oversight.

“Here we have the Prime Minister opting to go to Papua New Guinea, probably flying right over the Cook Island airspace right now to go there and that doesn't send a good signal,” Tuiono says.

“That doesn't send a good signal to here [in the Cook Islands] as well when actually this should be about celebration. We're talking about 60 years of that important relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands and politics aside, politicians of all stripes should be showing up here.”

While Luxon is in Port Moresby, he will meet with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono is one of two New Zealand MPs who are of Cook Islands descent. Photo/Joseph Safiti

This year marks 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia.

“New Zealand was among the first countries to welcome Papua New Guinea into the community of nations in 1975,” Luxon says.

“New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are more than neighbours - we are partners in shaping the future of our home region, the Pacific.

Christopher Luxon and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape (second from right) at the official state banquet. Photo/PMN News/Ala Vailala

“As the largest and most populated Pacific Island country, Papua New Guinea is an important player in the Pacific family.”

Luxon’s trip coincides with the Cook Islands’ 60th Constitutional Celebrations, where no representatives from the New Zealand government, apart from the Governor General, will be present in Rarotonga.

Concerns have arisen after New Zealand’s announcement to pause $18.2 million worth of development aid for the Cook Islands.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters cited a lack of consultation following an agreement that was signed between China and the Cook Islands.

Cook Islands Opposition MP Tina Browne says the absence of New Zealand government representatives is disappointing for her country.

Listen to Tina Browne's full interview

“Put politics aside, this is a celebration for our people. The fact that they are not here sends a clear message,” Browne told Terite.

“I don’t want to downgrade the Governor General, but the absence of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs is a clear signal to me that things are not good."