New Zealand and the Cook Islands commemorated Waitangi Day and the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance on Thursday, highlighting their unique bond and dedication to navigating the future together through continued partnership and respect, despite issues surrounding the now abandoned proposed passport and the upcoming China agreement.

It has been 185 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, in Aotearoa New Zealand, the most significant document in New Zealand’s shared history.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, between Māori Chiefs and representatives of the British Crown.

On Thursday, the High Commissioner of Aotearoa New Zealand, Catherine Graham, hosted a wonderful garden reception at Ngatipa to celebrate Waitangi Day.

Celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ngatipa. MP Vaitoti Tupa, MP Tai “Tango” Herman, and Director of Audit Desmond Wildin. MELINA ETCHES/25020709

“The Treaty invokes complex emotions as we - Māori, non-Māori, and all who live in New Zealand - continue to understand and debate its ongoing impact on our country and our people,” said Graham in her address.

“While there remains much work to be done together to address our past, there are also many reasons to celebrate… including a milestone in New Zealand’s unique and historic partnership with the Cook Islands, with this year being the Cook Islands’ 60^th anniversary of self-government in free association with New Zealand.”

Graham said together, the two countries are partners in the Realm of New Zealand, “united by the strong foundation of our shared citizenship and shared sovereign”.

“But our relationship goes back much further than 60 years, encompassing as it does several hundreds of years of whakapapa, ocean voyaging, and cultural connection.”

Graham acknowledged the presence in New Zealand of thousands of Cook Islanders, and their contributions to New Zealand.

Alongside honouring Waitangi Day, Graham also invited guests to celebrate 60 years of the “unique partnership” shared between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

“I am confident that New Zealand and the Cook Islands can work through the challenges we are facing today drawing strength from all we have achieved together already.

“I am certain that the bonds of shared citizenship, shared values, whakapapa, mutual respect, and care for each other will continue to guide us, and this evening, I acknowledge these special bonds underpinning our living partnership - much like the Treaty of Waitangi embodies the living partnership between Māori and the Crown.”

Celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi. From left: Prime Minister Mark Brown, High Commissioner of Aotearoa New Zealand Catherine Graham, King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters, Lady Tuaine Marster, Daphne Brown, High Commissioner of Australia Phoebe Smith. MELINA ETCHES/25020703

In his address, Prime Minister Mark Brown reflected on the “profound connections” between our nation and Aotearoa, a journey marked by shared history, cultural ties and mutual respect.

Brown said while the Cook Islands was not a signatory, the principles embodied in Te Tiriti resonate with our own values of “unity and self-determination”.

“As people of Te Moana Nui o Kiva, we recognise the importance of honouring our past, but also of looking forward with a collective vision,” said Brown.

“In 1965, the Cook Islands embarked on a path of self-governance, embracing the responsibility to chart our own destiny.

“Over these six decades we’ve achieved milestones that affirm our identity and sovereignty. From establishing our Exclusive Economic Zone of more than two million square kilometres, to maximising our return on one of the best managed fisheries in the region, to the development of our economy to the extent that we graduated to high-income status, through to our increasing profile and engagement on the international stage, our journey reflects our agency, resilience, and vision.”

Brown acknowledged the pioneers who laid the foundations and the collective efforts that have brought our nation to where we are today.

Celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ngatipa. From left: Ruta Short, Iaveta Short, Minister George “Maggie” Angene, Prime Minister Mark Brown, and Heinz Matysik. MELINA ETCHES/250200711

“As a proud and self-governing nation, the Cook Islands has always embraced its responsibility to shape its own destiny.”

Brown noted the discussions about the idea of a Cook Islands passport.

“And this is no longer on the table,” he said. “Our government has listened to the concerns of our people and our partners, and we will not be pursuing this further.”

“Our status remains unchanged, and our deep and enduring connection with New Zealand continues as it always has.

“We cherish the rights, privileges and history we share, and we remain committed to strengthening this special relationship.

“Our bond with New Zealand is unique, rooted in shared ancestry and mutual respect.”

The Prime Minister said the free association between the two nations has allowed us to pursue our own policies while benefiting from close cooperation.

“Initiatives like the Waka Hourua/Vaka Purua; partnership exemplify our commitment to mutual prosperity, well-being, security, and environmental stewardship.”

Celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ngatipa. From left: Tim Berry, Secretary of Finance Garth Henderson, Minister Tingika Elikana, Secretary of Justice Peter Graham, and National Security Division Ben Ponia. MELINA ETCHES/25020706

Brown also said Aotearoa New Zealand has long been enriched by the cultural, economic and social contributions of the Cook Islands.

“From the early years of migration to the present day, the people of the Cook Islands have played an integral role in shaping New Zealand’s identity, its workforce, and its cultural landscape.

“Today, over 80,000 Cook Islanders call Aotearoa home. This community has made significant contributions to key sectors including healthcare, education, business, sports, and the arts, driving positive change and growth in the country.”
He said Cook Islanders have shown resilience and hard work, often at the forefront of New Zealand’s economic development.

Many have also excelled in leadership roles, becoming trailblazers in both the public and private sectors, Brown said, acknowledging former NZ government ministers Munokoa Poto Williams and Alfred Ngaro, Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Adrian Orr, Dr Kiki Maoate, Caren Rangi, Dr Jean Mitaera, Dr George Ngaei and more.

He said in today’s world, every nation must seek opportunities to grow and strengthen its economy, and that the Cook Islands is no exception.

“Some have speculated that my upcoming visit to China is linked to the passport discussion, but let me be clear – these are entirely separate matters.

“The purpose of this visit is to explore economic opportunities, just as we do with New Zealand, Australia, and our Pacific partners.

“Our relationships across the world are built on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit – values that remain at the core of our approach to international partnerships.”

Brown reaffirmed that our relationship with Aotearoa is, and will always be, unique.

“The ties between our people are unbreakable, rooted in shared ancestry, history, and a deep commitment to each other’s success.

“We do not take this for granted, and we will continue working alongside New Zealand to ensure that our partnership remains as strong as ever.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not just as a historic agreement, but as a document that continues to shape the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and by extension, the wider Pacific, including the Cook Islands.

He said the articles of Te Tiriti laid the foundation for governance, authority and mutual respect.

“We, too, have navigated the path of determining our own political status while maintaining a strong and evolving relationship with New Zealand.

“Our own constitutional arrangements have been shaped by the same fundamental considerations – governance, sovereignty over our land and resources, and the protection of our people’s rights and well-being.”

Brown said that as Te Tiriti o Waitangi continues to evolve and shape relationships in Aotearoa, so too must the Cook Islands continue to strengthen and reaffirm its relationships as a sovereign Pacific nation.

“As the Cook Islands celebrate 60 years of self-governance, we reflect on what Te Tiriti means today – not just for New Zealand, but for our enduring partnership as nations of the Pacific.

“Just as the Treaty remains a living document in Aotearoa, our relationship with New Zealand continues to evolve, grounded in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a recognition of our unique identities.

“On this Waitangi Day and in the spirit of Te Tiriti, let us reaffirm our commitment to this relationship – not as something fixed in time, but as an ongoing journey.

“Te Tiriti o Waitangi reminds us that the past is always present, that history shapes the future, and that our partnership with New Zealand, like Te Tiriti itself, must continue to grow, strengthen, and adapt to the generations ahead.”