New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters calling for a reset of the relationship with the Cook Islands, I think we need to look at this from a different perspective, writes Te Tuhi Kelly, leader of the Progressive Party.

A perspective in which whilst I have been cross with what’s being done to our Cook Islands, NZ needs to step up not as a recoloniser but as a supportive whanau.

You can’t blame the Cook Islands for looking to clear their debt nor to take advantage of a seemingly rich treasure trove of undersea nodules or play diplomatic billiards, historical niceties aside. The relationship with NZ because of the Chinese agreement is not just about sovereignty, you would be a muggins if that was all China was interested in.

This is a geopolitical football stance by NZ and news media suggests that if NZ wants to reaffirm its influence over the Cook Islands, it needs to provide more tangible support rather than just restating its historical ties. NZ needs to step up in areas like health, justice, police, and education because the Cook Islands has struggled with these sectors. Mainly due to resource constraints, governance issues, and a lack of skilled personnel. NZ already provides some aid, but if it genuinely wants to counterbalance China’s involvement, it needs to take on a more active role, by possibly integrating some services more directly under NZ management.

We have shown time and again we cannot manage these institutions properly for our people. The challenge, of course, is how this would be received domestically in the Cook Islands.

There’s always resistance to anything that appears to weaken local governance, even when the current system is failing. Some may see it as a loss of autonomy, while others (like us) recognise that these institutions are not delivering the outcomes needed for our people.

From a realpolitik standpoint, NZ has an opportunity here – if it offers practical, visible improvements in governance and services, it can reinforce its role as the primary partner of the Cook Islands. If it doesn’t, then Cook Islands leaders will continue to look at alternatives, including China and others, who are more than happy to fill the gaps.

Here is where a hybrid model is worth looking at in which NZ has a stronger oversight in key institutional areas but still allows local governance to operate. A hybrid system makes a lot of sense, especially if it introduces institutional competitive recruitment processes based on merit rather than reputation and political connections. Right now, the “who you know” culture in leadership appointments has led to inefficiency and stagnation in key institutions.

If NZ had stronger oversight or even seconded professionals into leadership roles – while still allowing Cook Islands decision-making – it could help clean up the current system. It would also ensure that policies and standards align with best practices rather than political convenience.

One of the biggest obstacles will be resistance from those who benefit from the current system. So, the question then becomes, how do I think this could be introduced without causing significant backlash as vested interests scurry around like marauding fire ants to protect them and theirs.

So how do we change mindsets so that our people do not think we are being re-colonised again. Well, I got to say the alternative is worse, more of the same, non-transparency, corruption, the relationship with China, and the list goes on and on.

This is more than political, to me this is a personal gambit. Gradual reforms and future proofing and a change of government with forward thinking MPs who can see that we need help desperately is the way to go. Change will be resisted, we understand this, it’s our children that will eventually benefit this is what we should be focusing on.

That to me and many others, is a solid, long-term approach – gradual reforms alongside a shift in government leadership that recognises the urgent need for external support. Resistance is inevitable, especially from those who benefit from the current system, but the key is framing these changes as an investment in the future rather than a loss of autonomy.

One way to push this forward is by building public awareness around how these reforms would benefit everyday Cook Islanders, especially children. If people see the direct impact – better schools, a functioning health system and others – they may start demanding these changes themselves.

The 2026 elections could be a turning point if enough MPs with this vision get elected otherwise, we will languish in what we should have done and meanwhile getting shafted by the same old.

My final comment is that our vaine, the silent majority, have been stepping into more influential roles in the Cook Islands, and if they are the driving force behind these reforms, there’s real potential for change.

Our women tend to focus on long-term, community-centred solutions, and they are likely to prioritise education, healthcare and governance improvements that directly impact families. If the momentum is already there, the next step is translating that into political action.