NZ PM defends absence at Cook Islands 60th celebrations amid community criticism

The Prime Minister is defending his decision to not send any representatives from the Government to the Cook Islands’ 60th celebration of self governance in a few weeks.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the attendance of the Governor-General is sufficient, and he reiterates the lack of transparency from the Cook Islands Government.

“Our issue is with the Cook Islands Government not with the Cook Islands people, they have added a lot to New Zealand, we are really proud of them and we're very supportive of the Cook Islands people,” Luxon says.

“But we've got an issue with the Cook Islands Government which I've been very open and transparent about and I think people understand that.”

Leaders from the Cook Islands have raised concerns following the New Zealand Government’s decision.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono says the Government’s decision is disappointing and urges for dialogue from both sides.

Cook Islands PM Mark Brown. Photo/Cook Islands Government

“There has to be a way for the two governments to sit down and have a discussion and find a diplomatic way forward and that's what I think the focus should be,” Tuiono says.

“Were there opportunities for that before the commemoration to do that? Probably but here we are at this particular point in time and I don't think it's a good look.”

The decision follows Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters’ announcement to pause $18.2 million in development assistance planned for the Cook Islands’ 2025/26 financial year.

Watch Teanau Tuiono and Angee Nicholas' panel

The funding freeze was prompted by a lack of consultation with New Zealand after an agreement between the Cook Islands and China was made earlier this year.

Former National candidate for Te Atatu, Angee Nicholas emphasises New Zealand is still sending its highest ranking office, with Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro attending the 60th celebrations.

“We can say the absence means that there is something going on and there is, as Teanau has spoken about but that relationship with the Cook Islands is important,” Nicholas says.

“The Cook Islands people value their relationship - this free association the Cook Islands are able to have with New Zealand is of value to them.”

Former Prime Minister John Key attended the 50th celebrations a decade ago in Rarotonga.

Former NZ Prime Minister John Key (second from left) with former Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna (far left) during the Cook Islands' 50th celebrations. Photo/Cook Islands Government

Tuiono says the decision to freeze funding only ends up punishing the people, which sends the wrong message.

“The elephant in the room that everybody knows about is that China is growing and growing in prominence within the Pacific as well,” Tuiono says.

“With that support disappearing, folks around the Pacific, they're looking to other development partners, and China is the one who is first in line.

“The political game since the Trump administration got into office has changed the world, but also here in the Pacific.”

The 60th celebrations are expected to take place on August 4, 2025.