RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens “not by privilege, but by right”, said Prime Minister Mark Brown in response to a recent poll conducted in New Zealand on citizenship rights.
The nationwide poll, commissioned by the New Zealand Taxpayers Union, shows that most New Zealanders do not believe the Cook Islands should continue to enjoy automatic access to NZ citizenship, healthcare and education if its government pursues a foreign policy contrary to NZ’s – or fails to even consult Wellington.
The poll comes after the recent decision by NZ’s Foreign Ministry to pause $18.2 million(US$10.94 million) in development funding to the Cook Islands.
This decision was in response to the Cook Islands’ agreements with China in February of this year, which were made “without proper consultation” with NZ, with whom the Cook Islands shares a special constitutional relationship.
The poll conducted by Curia Market Research showed that 60.5 percent of decided respondents opposed Cook Islanders retaining automatic access if foreign policy diverged or if consultation ceased. Across all respondents, just 30 percent of respondents supported Cook Islanders retaining automatic access to New Zealand entitlements under such circumstances. 46 percent were opposed, and 24 percent were unsure.
In response to questions from Cook Islands News, PM Brown said that while he acknowledged the concerns raised in the recent poll, he believes it is important to place these discussions within the full context of Cook Islands’ longstanding and unique relationship with New Zealand.
“The Cook Islands and New Zealand share a deep, enduring constitutional bond underpinned by shared history, family ties, and mutual responsibility,” the Prime Minister said.
“Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens not by privilege, but by right. A right rooted in decades of shared sacrifice, contribution, and identity.
“More than 100,000 Cook Islanders live in New Zealand, contributing to its economy, culture, and communities. In return, our people have always looked to New Zealand not just as a partner, but as family.”
According to Brown, foreign policy decisions made by the Cook Islands “reflect our sovereignty and our right to pursue partnerships that are in our national interest”.
“We consult openly and engage in good faith with New Zealand, as we have done throughout recent developments,” he said.
“It is my sincere hope that our relationship is not reduced to transactional assessments, but remains grounded in the mutual respect that has defined it for six decades.”
The poll has been criticised by New Zealand MPs, including Cook Islander Teanau Tuiono, a Green Party MP, who told PMN News that the poll overlooked the deep historical ties and contributions of Cook Islanders to Aotearoa.
“It also fails to acknowledge the contributions that Cook Islanders have made to New Zealand,” Tuiono tells PMN News.
PM Brown appreciated the remarks made by NZ MP Tuiono.
“I agree that any discussion of Cook Islanders’ rights within the New Zealand context must recognise our historical ties and ongoing contributions,” Brown said.
“Our identity as Cook Islanders is not something separate from our citizenship, it is integral to it. As Mr. Tuiono rightly points out, the value Cook Islanders bring to New Zealand goes beyond economics.
“It’s about heritage, community, and shared destiny. At a time when international dynamics are shifting, it is more important than ever that we stand firm in our identity while reaffirming our commitment to the foundational partnership we hold with New Zealand,” said PM Brown…..PACNES