Dear Editor, I am a young woman of the Cook Islands, raised on Rarotonga, now studying at the University of Waikato, studying law and politics.

I have watched with concern the recent megaphone diplomacy to our country by the NZ Deputy Prime Minister W Peters concerning the visit to China by our Prime Minister M Brown, at which he signed several agreements including a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Despite the comprehensive NZ media and media leaks, my proposition is, the key issue is not that the Cook Islands did not meet its obligations to consult with NZ on matters that might have security consequences under the 2001 Joint

Centenary Declaration, the key issue is really that the Cook Islands persisted in going to China and persisted in signing a comprehensive strategic partnership against the wishes of Mr Peters.

There has been no proper legal assessment of the obligations under the Declaration published because in my opinion, Mr Peters’ view does not hold weight.

The irony is that New Zealand has its own comprehensive strategic partnership with China signed in 2014. In addition, Mr Peters himself was in Beijing a week or two after the Cook Islands delegation returned from China. According to Radio New Zealand’s report, Peters visited China to discuss increased

trade, economic opportunity, joint research and people-to-people exchange between New Zealand and China.

The agreements signed by the Cook Islands have been in the public domain for two to three weeks. Out of interest and concern for my people of the Cook Islands, I have viewed them and they look very similar to the NZ agreement. I am surprised that we have yet to hear from the intrepid investigative journalists or even a megaphone from Mr Peters himself as to where the Chinese military base will be situated or what other insidious investments are highlighted in the

agreement. My presumption on Peter's silence is that his silence is because there is nothing in the agreement that warrants his megaphoned hysteria. I look forward to hearing from New Zealand on this matter.

Furthermore, I recall the New Zealand news coverage on this matter, particularly, seeing Mr Peters saying on TV that he would protect the Cook Islands people as an obligation under the Realm of New Zealand. I think it is timely that Mr Peters tells us, the Cook Islands people, what he is protecting us from. Is it his friends in China, who he and his government are continuously

working towards joint opportunities that will increase trade and engagement with? To do so would be hypocritical. Mr Peters’ actions do not reflect actions made between friends.

For 60 years our elected parliamentarians on both sides of the house, our government agencies and our communities have protected ourselves to the extent we are still here, with a few bruises and bumps but a viable homeland for our people. I find his statement offensive. Why can’t the Cook Islands have the same engagement with China that he has been seeking to increase for New Zealand? Mr Peters has failed to protect his own Maori people from further degradation of their rights under the Treaty of Waitangi, why should we trust him to protect us?

In the past New Zealand’s special connection with the Pasifika people has brought comparative advantages in regional politics. The work of David Lange, his advocacy and promotion of the region to be nuclear-free was the pinnacle of New Zealand diplomatic statesmanship. Promoting what is good for both New Zealand and the Pasifika people. New Zealand is not a military or

economic powerhouse. It should step back from this bullying megaphone diplomacy we have seen recently in its engagement with Kiribati and now us and go back and practice proper regional diplomacy in the manner at which they were the masters.

I note that Mr Peters has already surpassed the average life expectancy of a Maori as well as the average age of a politician in New Zealand. Foreign policy and diplomatic leadership should be led by people who have to live under the consequences of that policy to ensure that it reflects broader benefits.

Regards,

Young Cook Island University Student

(Name and address supplied)