The Cook Islands Government has congratulated New Zealand’s newly sworn-in government and expressed its eagerness to engage with them in the new year.

Last week, New Zealand’s National Party reached an agreement to form a coalition government with the ACT and New Zealand First parties, nearly six weeks after the country’s general elections.

The government, including its Cabinet Ministers, was officially established earlier this week, with National leader Christopher Luxon being sworn in as the country’s 42^nd Prime Minister. ACT and New Zealand First leaders David Seymour and Winston Peters will share the role of Deputy Prime Minister, with Peters taking on the role for the first half of the three-year parliamentary term.

The Cook Islands government welcomed and acknowledged the new coalition government.

A spokesperson from the Office of the Prime Minister stated, “Prime Minister Mark Brown sends congratulations to New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Luxon, ACT Leader David Seymour, and NZ First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters and acknowledges the coalition government they have formed.”

“He looks forward to engaging in the New Year at the Cook Islands-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Forum.”

Opposition Leader Tina Browne of the Democratic Party also congratulated Prime Minister Luxon and his National-ACT-NZ First coalition government and commended them for their cooperation.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, the Prime Minister will be looking for a stable and effective government that will look after all its people,” Browne said.

“Credit must be given to the three leaders sitting around the negotiation table for reaching a compromise. We in the opposition wish them well.”

A total of 20 cabinet ministers, eight ministers outside the cabinet, and two parliamentary under-secretaries were also formally appointed. The Cabinet comprises 14 National ministers, three ACT ministers, and three NZ First ministers. National deputy leader Nicola Willis will serve as the finance minister.