Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand remains the Cook Islands’ “partner of choice” in security but insists that will not change how it engages with global partners.
His comments come after the signing of a new defence and security declaration with New Zealand, and the resumption of New Zealand funding to the Cook Islands, following a year long rift in the relationship.
“New Zealand, clearly in the declaration that we’ve signed, is our partner of choice, but this does not dictate to us how our foreign policy is applied,” Brown told RNZ Pacific.
“It is incumbent on the Cook Islands to be able to look at other development partners who wish to engage with the Cook Islands across a whole range of areas to look at how we can best advance the priorities of our country.”
Brown said the new agreement helps strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We’re very pleased to be able to sign on the declaration of defence and security between the Cooks and New Zealand. So, this really provides a platform where we can build and strengthen and grow the relationship going forward.”
The relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand came under strain in early 2025 after the Cook Islands signed a deal with China, raising concerns in Wellington over a lack of consultation.
New Zealand later announced they would pause nearly NZ$30 million (US$17.59 million) worth of annual funding.
With funding resuming a year later, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the new agreement reset the two countries dynamic.
“The China deal is behind us. That’s the announcement today. We’re not going to go back there. We’re going forward,” Peters said.
“This declaration resolves this former ambiguity and provide clarity to both governments so that we can move forward focused on the future, not the past,” he said.
Brown said government officials worked endlessly culminating in the newly signed declaration.
“Some of these things, they are very complex in nature, and it takes time to get through the issues that were identified.
“But we’re very pleased that we took our time to carefully consider this agreement that we’ve signed up to and work diligently with New Zealand during that period of the year.”
The agreement also reinforces expectations around consultation – a key concern for New Zealand during the China deal.
Brown said while there had been communication with New Zealand, formal diplomatic processes required a level of confidentiality.
“These normally take place in confidence between two countries and don’t include third member countries.”
He said “good faith consultation ultimately comes down to trust and transparency at a broader level, while protecting sensitive details.
“It’s a matter of trust and being open about what you are doing … but there are also certain matters that need to be kept in confidence.”
Brown confirmed the agreement would not affect any existing arrangements with global partners.
“No, this agreement is about us moving forward as two countries, the Cook Islands and New Zealand.”
He said the Cook Islands, which has been expanding its international partnerships, will continue to do so – while keeping New Zealand as it’s “partner of choice.”
