Will's Word: Asking our leaders questions isn’t a crime, it’s our job

If Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown thought throwing a tantrum would make concerns about his government’s deal with China disappear, it's done the complete opposite.

Instead of easing fears over Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific, Brown decided to go on the attack, dismissing criticism as "ludicrous" and "ignorant".

But here’s the thing: throwing a fit doesn’t equal transparency, and it definitely doesn’t make tough questions go away either.

So what's he been saying, you might ask? That the New Zealand media have the audacity to question his government's agreements with China. According to him, we're treating the Cook Islands like they're "too dumb".

The only dumb thing here was his comment - the media should be able to question our leaders and hold them accountable. And to anyone that disagrees with that I seriously question whether you know the definition of the fourth estate.

This idea that the media is out to get him is absolute nonsense - I've heard people over the past few days blame the media for what's transpired - when did holding our leaders to account become a crime?

I make no apology for the questions and criticism I have put on this deal with China, because it absolutely needs to be scrutinised.

Let's be real, China's creeping presence in the Pacific isn’t some wild conspiracy theory. It’s happening, and it’s happening fast. When China starts funding ports, and ships, it’s not out of the goodness of its heart. That’s called strategic influence.

And speaking of hiding things, isn’t it a bit rich that Brown is whining about New Zealand media ignoring the Cook Islands while his own government is being accused of failing to consult its closest allies?

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If everything was above board, why the secrecy? Why not actually engage instead of sulking about being misunderstood? Spoiler alert: dodging questions never makes people less suspicious.

The real kicker? Brown says he’s done responding to the New Zealand media. Oh, how convenient!

That’s not the move of a leader confident in his decisions that’s someone who wants to avoid scrutiny at all costs.

If Brown is so sure these China deals are great for the Cook Islands, why not defend them with facts instead of foot-stomping?

That's Will's Word.