Politics
Cook Islands host visits by diplomatic envoys for Czech Republic, Portugal
Thursday 20 March 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in National, Politics
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) welcomes to the Cook Islands diplomatic envoys from the Portuguese Republic, Ambassador António Albuquerque de Vilhena Moniz, and the Czech Republic, Ambassador Jana Tyrer.
Concerns mount over ‘national security’ amid China’s influence
Tuesday 18 March 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Politics
Concerns over China’s growing influence in the Pacific, including in the Cook Islands following recent agreements between the two countries, have prompted calls from the Opposition for greater transparency and assurances regarding national security.
Opposition demands ‘full disclosure’ of Cooks-China deals
Tuesday 25 February 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in National, Politics
The Opposition demands full disclosure of the agreements Cook Islands government has signed with China, raising concerns about transparency, potential economic dependency and strategic influence.
Cook Islands’ China deal tests limits of NZ partnership
Saturday 22 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Features, In Depth, National, Politics
Cook Islands’ recent agreement with China has raised concerns about potential breaches of its Joint Declaration with New Zealand, with experts debating whether any breach is legal or merely political, depending on the extent of surprise and the details of the agreement, while also considering the broader context of shifting global power dynamics in the Pacific.
PM emphasises ‘mutual’ relationship with NZ
Tuesday 18 February 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Local, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Politics, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is looking forward to his next discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon “in due course” to promote and strengthen the countries’ collaboration while recognising and respecting the sovereign status of both countries.
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
Sunday 16 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in BREAKING NEWS, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his commitment to publishing the Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 agreement with China.
Prime Minister confident Govt will defeat no confidence motion
Thursday 13 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown remains undeterred by the no-confidence motion filed against him and his Cabinet, despite increasing criticism of the government’s decision-making and initiatives.
Opposition files no-confidence motion against Prime Minister
Wednesday 12 February 2025 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in BREAKING NEWS, National, Parliament, Politics
A vote of no confidence motion has been filed against the Prime Minister and his Cabinet following the recent fiasco involving the now-abandoned Cook Islands passport proposal and the comprehensive strategic partnership the country will sign with China this week.
Opposition leaders declare ‘no confidence’ in Prime Minister
Friday 7 February 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands Opposition leaders say they have lost confidence in the Prime Minister, despite his U-turn on the controversial passport proposal that drew disapproval from the New Zealand Government and the ire of Cook Islanders.
‘We are letting people down’: Peters cautions Cook Islands of passport risks
Wednesday 29 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in National, Politics
Cook Islanders have been reminded of the stakes involved in the ongoing talks for a Cook Islands passport, spearheaded by Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Trump’s climate pact withdraw no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director
Thursday 23 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Environment, National, Politics
United States president Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement is no surprise, says Cook Islands Climate Change director Wayne King.
Private members’ bills expose Govt’s legislative failures: Opposition leader
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in National, Parliament, Politics
The three private members’ bills presented by the Opposition in Parliament in 2024 show the Government’s failure to address critical legal anomalies affecting people, says Tina Browne.
PM urges Cook Islanders to consider passport proposal despite opposition
Friday 3 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Culture, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown is urging Cook Islanders to ‘not be afraid of the discussions that may need to be had’ regarding the proposal for a Cook Islands passport.
Cook Islands drops bids for United Nations, Commonwealth membership
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands will not pursue membership in the United Nations and the Commonwealth due to its inability to meet the criteria for UN membership and existing relationship with New Zealand, which fulfils Commonwealth membership requirements.
Seizure of Cook Islands-registered ship over alleged sabotage ‘creates a bad look’ for NZ
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by RNZ | Published in National, Politics
A Cook Islands-registered ship being seized by Finnish authorities over a suspected incident of sabotage “creates a bad look” for New Zealand, an international law professor says.
Passport plan ‘not the best of the initiatives by the PM’: Government MP
Monday 30 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Government MPs remain uncertain about the proposed Cook Islands passport, intended to celebrate national pride and identity, with one MP stating that it is not among the Prime Minister’s best initiatives.
PM clarifies use of NGO logos in seabed mining consultation
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Environment, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has responded to concerns raised by two environmental groups, Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) and Korero o te Orau, regarding the government’s recent seabed mining consultation in New Zealand.
Heather opposes Cook Islands passport plan, warns of risks
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Local, National, Politics
Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather has opposed the Government’s proposal for a Cook Islands passport, stating that what Prime Minister Mark Brown and his team are pursuing for is not important.
Government focuses on growth and cost of living in 2025
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Economy, Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has outlined the Cook Islands Government’s key priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on continued economic growth, infrastructure development and addressing the cost of living.
Opposition leader slams passport push as ‘reckless’: PM Brown assures ‘We will remain NZ citizens’
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Local, National, Politics
Prime Minister Mark Brown has assured Cook Islanders that they “will remain New Zealand citizens, and that will not change” as he continues to advocate for a Cook Islands passport as a “symbolic representation of national pride and identity”.
