Dear Editor, The persistent bullying of Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown by New Zealand over the past week has been appalling.

The blatant bias in NZ media coverage reflects a deeply concerning pattern of condescension and interference in Cook Islands affairs and now this statement by the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, shared on social media platform by the NZ high commission in Rarotonga.

The narrative pushed by the NZ government and media framed the passport issue as an ultimatum – either Cook Islands citizenship or New Zealand citizenship – with no room for compromise on dual citizenship. To make matters worse, New Zealand has now indicated that if the Cook Islands proceeds with its own citizenship framework, they will unilaterally amend their laws to strip New Zealand citizenship from those who apply. This is not diplomacy; it is coercion.

Such actions expose New Zealand’s ongoing colonial mindset – not only in how it treats the Cook Islands but also in its treatment of its own Māori population. The disregard for the Cook Islands’ right to self-determination mirrors the historical oppression of Māori.

Mark Brown has made it clear to NZ that there is no security risk associated with China, so what exactly is the issue? If his government makes a poor decision, the Cook Islands people – the very ones who elected him – will hold him accountable. That is how democracy works. New Zealand’s heavy-handed tactics, however, suggest an unwillingness to respect that process.

Worse still, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ handling of the situation has been both unprofessional and irresponsible. Instead of fostering constructive dialogue, he has fuelled division through careless rhetoric and media manipulation. His approach has done little to strengthen diplomatic ties and instead reflects a lack of respect for the Cook Islands and its leadership.

Cook Islanders should not sit by in silence while New Zealand publicly undermines and disrespects our Prime Minister. What’s next? Will they demand that we kneel like dogs every time there is a disagreement? Our people must stand up against this blatant attempt to control and belittle our nation. If we allow this to continue, we are sending the message that our sovereignty can be trampled on whenever it suits New Zealand’s interests.

(Name and address supplied)