Overview:
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his country’s close ties with New Zealand, calling it “family,” while describing China as “a very good friend.” His remarks follow the resolution of a year-long diplomatic strain that saw New Zealand suspend development funding, underscoring a renewed commitment to cooperation and regional stability.
RAROTONGA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is “family” while China is “a very good friend”.
Brown spoke to Checkpoint on the relationship between his nation and New Zealand.
The two governments recently patched up a major diplomatic fallout that resulted in New Zealand pausing nearly $30 million (US$17.62 million) in funding to Cook Islands.
The breakdown was over a strategic agreement the smaller nation signed with China at the beginning of last year. It lasted for more than a year and was officially resolved when Brown and New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters signed a new defence and security agreement earlier this month.
Brown said “New Zealand is probably our strongest relationship that we have with all of our development partners”.
“We have a lot of friends and New Zealand’s more than a friend to us. They’re our family.”
When asked about China, he highlighted the “nearly 30 years” of diplomatic partnership between Cook Islands and China.
“Over that time, China’s been very supportive of the development priorities of the Cook Islands and has helped us out mainly in infrastructure development over the years.
“China’s a very good friend to the Cook Islands.”
Brown denied there had been a “falling out” with New Zealand.
“Like any family members, you do have your ups and downs, but at the end of the day, you still remain family and you move along together.”
He said the comprehensive strategic agreement he signed on behalf of the Cook Islands with China in February last year was “similar to what we signed with New Zealand for our Waka Hourua/ Vaka Purua relationship between our two countries in 2022.”
He also said the China agreement was similar to another one Cook Islands had with Australia.
Brown said the new Cook Islands-New Zealand agreement “outlined clearly” areas of responsibility for each party in regard to security and defence.
“What we’re looking forward to, I guess, is growing. our relationship that we have with New Zealand. And I have to say that it is on the basis of good faith and respect that we do deal with each other.”
He said he was grateful New Zealand had resumed its development funding to Cook Islands.
“From our perspective, this is New Zealand’s funding. They’re well within their rights as to how they choose to engage with other countries, including the Cook Islands, in development funding.
“As I said, we’ve come through a period of ups and downs. We’ve ironed those out,” said PM Brown….PACNEWS