by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Cook Islands has signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement with China without disclosing the contents with New Zealand prior to ratification. Cook Islands Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana confirmed to RNZ on Saturday morning the deal with China had been signed. While the agreement has been long-signalled, the manner in…
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters Richard Sanders On Sunday, New Zealand’s foreign minister expressed “significant concern” regarding the Cook Islands’ imminent cooperation agreement with China. Prime Minister Mark Brown is scheduled to visit Beijing next week, where he is expected to sign a “joint action plan” aimed at establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is asking for too much oversight over its deal with China, which is expected to be penned in Beijing next week. Brown told RNZ Pacific the Cook Islands-New Zealand relationship was reciprocal. “They certainly did not consult with us when…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Foreign Affairs Minister’s office is aware of media reporting suggesting the Cook Islands has backed down from its controversial proposal to introduce its own passport, an initiative that threatened to shake the island state’s relationship with New Zealand. It comes as Peters also expressed shock on Friday morning that…
Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands has expressed concerns that New Zealand is requesting excessive oversight regarding their upcoming agreement with China, which is set to be finalized in Beijing next week. In a recent statement, Brown emphasized that the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is reciprocal. He pointed out…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Over 150 people headed out to sea in vessels of all sizes to promote their call for ocean protection. Photo: Supplied / Ocean Ancestors Cook Islands government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection….
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has entered into a grant agreement worth US$2 million with the government of the Cook Islands aimed at enhancing health screening capabilities at the nation’s airports. According to Cook Islands News, the funding will be utilized to upgrade health screening equipment that is essential during public…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Cook Islands has highlighted the impact of climate change on cultural heritage, particularly for women, during its historic participation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings in a landmark climate change case. The hearings which began earlier this month is examining what countries worldwide are legally required to do…