Dear Editor, The discussion around the introduction of a Cook Islands passport versus retaining the New Zealand passport touches on key issues related to identity, practicality, and global mobility.

Global Mobility: A New Zealand passport offers significant advantages in terms of visa-free travel, international recognition, and access to New Zealand’s consular support. Introducing a Cook Islands passport could limit the freedom of movement for Cook Islanders, as they would likely lose the extensive travel privileges that come with the New Zealand passport.

Economic Implications: The New Zealand passport gives Cook Islanders access to jobs, education, and healthcare in New Zealand and Australia. For many Cook Islanders, this connection is crucial for economic opportunities. A Cook Islands passport may not offer the same benefits, which could potentially limit these opportunities.

National Identity vs. Practicality: While a Cook Islands passport might symbolise national sovereignty and pride, most Cook Islanders seem to prefer the practical advantages of retaining the New Zealand passport. The question becomes whether the symbolic value of having a Cook Islands passport is worth the potential loss of benefits provided by the New Zealand one.

Concerns Raised by the People: Based on the discussions on social media and other media channels, it’s clear that there is a strong preference for keeping the New Zealand passport. The people’s voice in such matters is crucial, as their daily lives would be most affected by any changes.

From a political standpoint, the introduction of a Cook Islands passport may not be well-received unless it is accompanied by strong practical benefits that can outweigh the loss of privileges provided by the New Zealand passport. The Cook Islands government would need to demonstrate that the new passport would not isolate Cook Islanders or limit their access to international opportunities.

If the Cook Islands were to introduce its own passport, it could indeed pave the way for a greater push toward full international recognition, including joining the United Nations. Membership in the UN could provide the Cook Islands with access to various financial institutions, international loans, development aid, and greater diplomatic leverage.

The Cook Islands’ free association with New Zealand has historically been beneficial, but full UN membership could open up new avenues for economic growth and global influence. However, this move would need to be carefully managed to ensure that the economic and social benefits outweigh the risks, particularly around losing New Zealand’s support and the privileges associated with a New Zealand passport.

> Also read: PM proposes Cook Islands passport at Ariki meeting

It’s possible that the government’s long-term strategy is aimed at greater sovereignty and international recognition, but it could face significant opposition from Cook Islanders who are wary of losing practical benefits like global mobility and access to New Zealand’s resources.

The widespread opposition among Cook Islanders suggests that most people see this as a risk to their current benefits, and pushing forward against this sentiment could lead to a major loss of political capital.

The Cook Islands Party would need to carefully weigh the potential advantages of greater sovereignty and UN membership against the immediate, practical concerns of the population. Without a strong, clear case for how a Cook Islands passport would improve the lives of ordinary citizens, they could indeed face serious backlash.

It seems like any major changes to something as significant as passport status would require not only a solid plan but also overwhelming public support, which doesn’t appear to be there right now. Steering clear of that path might be the wisest course for the Cook Islands Party, at least until there’s a clear, undeniable benefit that resonates with the people.

Te Tuhi Kelly

Leader

Progressive Party of the Cook Islands