Prime Minister Mark Brown’s passport proposal presents as more personal than from the people. He sounds like a spoilt teenager who has graduated from his ‘L’ plate to a full driver’s licence, declaring to his parents that he is all grown up now, and wants to be independent, writes Ruta Mave.

Previously, Mama Jacinda smiled at him nodding sagely while knowing full well he will still be living under her roof. Daddy Luxon has now stepped in – Son, we like looking out for you, and will happily continue to do so, but if full independence is what you want, we are open to discussing that.

Then in his entitled matter of fact manner, Brown seems to be saying – When I say I want full independence, what I mean is I can do whatever I want, with whomever I want, where ever I want, whenever I want. But I still expect Mum to do my washing, cook my dinner and clean up after me, and Dad pays for my car, petrol and ongoing maintenance. That’s my kind of independence.

As parents their job with kids is to guide and protect them until they can stand on their own two feet, independently self-sufficiently. So, if the teenager is pushing the parent away because they feel ready to face the world alone, then a good parent will cut the apron strings and kick them out of the nest.

Dad Luxon has taken this approach by implying to Brown-son, if independence is what you want, you can have it, lock, stock and barrel in the true spirit and meaning of independence which is freedom from the control, influence, support, aid or the like of others aka NZ.

You can change your name son and become your own man on your own but know this, the open door to finance, health care, pension and travel will close, and you will have to go it alone like your Pacific cousins, who currently wish they were in your enviable position of a trust fund baby that you are right now.

Brown might be forgiven for thinking one has to have a passport around their neck for cultural identity and recognition to prove who they are. He has spent so many weeks overseas at large international gatherings wearing a lanyard so people can look down to see who he is and where he is from. Confusion arises when he boasts we are a developed nation, while also pleading we are poor and need funding.

Brown goes on to say we need our own passport because overseas born sports people can’t compete for the Cooks. Almost all our competing athletes are born, bred and trained overseas who have then competed at the Olympics for us. They only have to show their blood connection, genealogy, get a stamp and Tama’s your uncle. Some swimmers have never even visited the islands but they still fly the flag – the one with the union jack and 15 white stars.

Maybe that is Brown’s twin intention, to change our flag to green and yellow but our colours are green and white. Unfortunately, this government has shown they don’t listen to referendums if they don’t like the outcome. Remember the Aitutaki Sunday flights referendum? Overwhelming majority overlooked.

If we have lots of Cook Islanders all around the world it is because they can travel on a NZ passport. Without one we will have to apply and pay for visas to travel to countries like New Zealand.

If Brown believes the only way people will know who we are is if we have our own passport, he is not a real Cook Islander nor is he culturally in-tune. We are not defined by a piece of paper, it is in our very essence and spirit that identifies us around the world.

We attract other people’s attention; they are interested in who we are because of how we behave and how we conduct ourselves.

Overseas, we are totally, undeniably, recognisable. You can spot a Kuki from their clothing, their ei katu and long before you see them, from their laughter.

Brown proposes saving our culture but, offers little support or funding for culture and arts at home. He preaches about culture while speaking from the very colonial line he wants penitence from. Maybe he should stop trying to change the nation and start walking the talk first by changing his name from Brown, and acknowledging his brown genealogy from his matriarchal line.

A new year approaches with threats of a new passport, a new flag, new charges for water, less religions, no sustainability plans. It is time for people to be resolute, be outspoken, be heard and stand up for their rights. Happy New Year!