New Zealand snub a clear message for Cook Islands, says opposition

By Talaia Mika, Cook Islands News

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will not attend the milestone event in Rarotonga, which will celebrate the Cook Islands’ six decades of self-governance in free association with NZ. Photo: RNZ Pacific

New Zealand's top political leaders skipping the Cook Islands' 60th Constitution anniversary, seen as a rebuke over closer ties with China, has sparked widespread disappointment and calls for the Cook Islands government to mend relations.

The confirmation that none of the senior New Zealand government leaders will attend the Cook Islands' 60th self-governance anniversary on 4 August has ignited public and political backlash.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will not attend the milestone event in Rarotonga, which will celebrate the Cook Islands' six decades of self-governance in free association with NZ.

Instead, New Zealand will be represented by its Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro and her husband Dr Richard Davies, a diplomatic move seen by many as a clear message of discontent following the Cook Islands' recent deepening ties with China.

Earlier this year, the Cook Islands signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, a move that raised eyebrows in Wellington and has since been linked to the recent pausing of over $18 million in core sector support funding from New Zealand.

Teariki Heather Photo: Caleb Fotheringham

Opposition MP Teariki Heather, the leader of the Cook Islands United Party and former deputy prime minister, did not hold back.

"It is very disappointing for the Prime Minister not actually apologising to the Government of New Zealand," Heather told Cook Islands News.

"I heard that the Prime Minister Luxon and Winston Peters are not coming and because of the problem that's been created by our Prime Minister."

On Monday, Cook Islands News contacted Prime Minister Brown for his reaction to the exclusion of top New Zealand government representation at the event.

Brown did not comment directly but said his government was honoured to welcome the Governor-General and Dr Davies.

Political analyst and regional affairs advocate William Numanga described the moment as a missed opportunity for unity.

"This anniversary should have been a moment of shared pride, a reaffirmation of the enduring ties between two Pacific peoples who have walked together through colonisation, migration, and independence. Instead, it has become a moment that exposes the fault lines in our diplomatic relationship," Numanga wrote on Pacific Media Network.

While noting that people-to-people ties remain strong, he stressed that "symbolism matters" and that the absence of New Zealand's top officials "speaks louder than any words".

According to Heather, the fallout between the two countries isn't just about diplomacy, it's about the very heart of the Cook Islands' identity and its connection to New Zealand.

"It's not only about our relationship with New Zealand; it's our relationship with our people - Cook Islands people. There are more of us there in New Zealand than here in the Cook Islands."

Never in modern history has a New Zealand Prime Minister snubbed such a significant celebration, Heather said.

"This is the first time a Prime Minister isn't attending especially such a milestone celebration in the Cook Islands. (Former NZ prime minister) John Key 10 years ago was at our 50th anniversary, he attended with a full delegation that came and this is why I'm saying I'm disappointed on behalf of the people of this country."

Tina Browne Photo: Cook Islands News

Opposition leader Tina Browne also raised serious concerns about the absence of top New Zealand government leaders at the 60th Constitution Celebrations.

Browne said while they're happy to welcome the Governor General and her husband, the absence of top New Zealand Government Ministers clearly signals that the Cook Islands' relationship with New Zealand is still "under repair".

While acknowledging the importance of international relationships, she cautioned that engagement with China "must not come at the expense of our sovereignty or jeopardise long-standing partnerships with New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands Forum community".

"I have deep respect for our friends in New Zealand, and I believe the absence of the NZ Prime Minister or Minister of Foreign Affairs from this year's celebrations is a moment for serious national reflection and open dialogue on where our relationships stand," Browne said.

"We cannot afford to navigate our foreign policy without a clear mandate and careful reflection. Our future should be shaped through open consultation, transparency, and decisions that put the Cook Islands people first."

As the nation prepares to mark sixty years under its Constitution, Browne reaffirmed the values of self-determination, democratic accountability and responsible leadership.

She believes this is not only a time for celebration, but also for reassessing the course the nation is taking on the international stage.

"With funding at stake and essential services under pressure, it is vital that Cook Islanders are kept informed. Whether it is our schools, health system, or our tourism-driven economy, these relationships matter to everyone. Our foreign policy must be made with the people, not around them," Browne said.

Heather warned of deeper consequences if the Cook Islands Government does not repair the damage, pointing to the potential impact on pensions and other services accessed by Cook Islanders locally and even in New Zealand.

"New Zealand might decide to take out the pension. What is the government going to do? What is this Prime Minister going to do? What is he going to replace that with? These are the questions that I raise."

He called on Prime Minister Brown to show humility and "sincerely apologise" to New Zealand, saying it's not too late to rebuild trust.

"We acknowledge and appreciate our Christian values, our faith and this is important for any Cook Islander so if he can just humble himself and sincerely apologise would have been very nice at this time."

-Cook Islands News