NZ pauses millions of dollars in funding for the Cook Islands

New Zealand has paused nearly 20 million dollars in development assistance to the Cook Islands for the upcoming financial year.

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RNZ News

an hour ago

• RNZ News

Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark blames Cook Islands for creating a crisis

Helen Clark, middle, says Cook Islands caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. Photo: RNZ Pacific Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes the Cook Islands, a realm of New Zealand, caused a crisis for itself by not consulting Wellington before signing a deal with China. The New Zealand government has paused more than $18 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands after the latter failed to provide satisfactory answers to Aotearoa's questions about its partnership agreement with Beijing. The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand and governs its own affairs. But New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence. The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Winston Peters said had not been honoured. Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown both have a difference of opinion on the level of consultation required between the two nations on such matters. "There is no way that the 2001 declaration envisaged that Cook Islands would enter into a strategic partnership with a great power behind New Zealand's back," Clark told RNZ Pacific on Thursday. Clark was a signatory of the 2001 agreement with the Cook Islands as New Zealand prime minister at the time. "It is the Cook Islands government's actions which have created this crisis," she said. "The urgent need now is for face-to-face dialogue at a high level to mend the NZ-CI relationship." Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has downplayed the pause in funding to the Cook Islands during his second day of his trip to China. Brown told parliament on Thursday (Wednesday, Cook Islands time) that his government knew the funding cut was coming. He also suggested a double standard , pointing out that New Zealand has entered also deals with China that the Cook Islands was not "privy to or being consulted on". Prime Minister Mark Brown and China's Ambassador to the Pacific Qian Bo last year. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Lydia Lewis A Pacific law expert says that, while New Zealand has every right to withhold its aid to the Cook Islands, the way it is going about it will not endear it to Pacific nations. Auckland University of Tchnology (AUT) senior law lecturer and a former Pacific Islands Forum advisor Sione Tekiteki told RNZ Pacific that for Aotearoa to keep highlighting that it is "a Pacific country and yet posture like the United States gives mixed messages". "Obviously, Pacific nations in true Pacific fashion will not say much, but they are indeed thinking it," Tekiteki said. Since day dot there has been a misunderstanding on what the 2001 agreement legally required New Zealand and Cook Islands to consult on, and the word consultation has become somewhat of a sticking point. The latest statement from the Cook Islands government confirms it is still a discrepancy both sides want to hash out. "There has been a breakdown and difference in the interpretation of the consultation requirements committed to by the two governments in the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration," the Ministry for Foreign Affiars and Immigration (MFAI) said. "An issue that the Cook Islands is determined to address as a matter of urgency". A Cook Island resident Jackie Tuara says she would rather be in agreements with countries that have democratic policies than with China Photo: Caleb Fotheringham Tekiteki said that, unlike a treaty, the 2001 declaration was not "legally binding" per se but serves more to express the intentions, principles and commitments of the parties to work together in "recognition of the close traditional, cultural and social ties that have existed between the two countries for many hundreds of years". He said the declaration made it explicitly clear that Cook Islands had full conduct of its foreign affairs, capacity to enter treaties and international agreements in its own right and full competence of its defence and security. However, he added that there was a commitment of the parties to "consult regularly". This, for Clark, the New Zealand leader who signed the all-important agreement more than two decades ago, this is where Brown misstepped. Clark previously labelled the Cook Islands-China deal as 'clandestine' which has "damaged" its relationship with New Zealand. RNZ Pacific contacted the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment but was advised by the MFAI secretary that they are not currently accommodating interviews.

RNZ News

2 hours ago

• RNZ News

Mark Brown slams New Zealand for its 'patronising approach' over China deal

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown Photo: Tiana Haxton Pausing nearly $20 million in development assistance is "patronising" and "inconsistent with modern partnership", Prime Minister Mark Brown has told the Cook Islands parliament. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has paused $18.2 million in development assistance to the Cook Islands due to a lack of consultation regarding a partnership agreement and other deals signed with Beijing earlier this year. The pause includes $10 million in core sector support, which represents four percent of the country's budget. Brown said on Thursday or Wednesday local time the money would have been used for health, education and tourism marketing. "The relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is defined by partnership, not paternalism. Decisions to unilaterally pause core sector support reflect a patronising approach, inconsistent with modern partnership," Brown said in his parliament on Friday (Thursday, Cook Islands time). The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Peters said had not been lived up to. But Brown said the declaration is "explicitly clear" that the Cook Islands can enter into international agreements in its own right. "Where we are finding our divergence of views is in the provision relating to the consultation obligations and rights of both parties to the declaration. "We are committed to addressing this urgently. That is why we agreed to New Zealand's proposal to establish a formal dialogue mechanism to discuss the agreements and their implementation." Brown said there had been two meetings so far - one in April and May. "It is disappointing that political commentary from within New Zealand has come at a time when official dialogue continues. Such commentary undermines genuine and concerted efforts by our senior officials to mend the erosion of trust and confidence that, to be clear, has been experienced on both sides," he said. RNZ Pacific reached out to Peters' office for a response on Brown's comments. A spokesperson for Peters said they would make no further comment and stand by the statements issued Thursday. In parliament, on Thursday, Brown suggested a double standard from New Zealand and that he was "not privy to or consulted on" agreements New Zealand may enter into with China. Brown said he was surprised by the timing of the announcement. "Especially Mr Speaker in light of the fact our officials have been in discussions with New Zealand officials to address the areas of concern that they have over our engagements in the agreements that we signed with China." Peters previously said the Cook Islands government was informed of the funding pause on 4 June. He also said it had nothing to do with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon being in China. Brown said he was sure Luxon would ensure good outcomes for the people of the realm of New Zealand on the back of the Cook Islands state visit and "the goodwill that we've generated with the People's Republic of China". "I have full trust that Prime Minister Luxon has entered into agreements with China that will pose no security threats to the people of the Cook Islands. "Of course, not being privy to or not being consulted on any agreements that New Zealand may enter into with China." The Cook Islands is in free association with New Zealand and governs its own affairs. But New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence. Former Cook Islands deputy prime minister and prominent lawyer Norman George said Brown "should go on his knees and beg for forgiveness because you can't rely on China". "[The aid pause] is absolutely a fair thing to do because our Prime Minister betrayed New Zealand and let the government and people of New Zealand down." But not everyone agrees. Rarotongan artist Tim Buchanan said Peters is being a bully. "It's like he's taken a page out of Donald Trump's playbook using money to coerce his friends," Buchanan said. "What is it exactly do you want from us Winston? What do you expect us to be doing to appease you." Buchanan said it has been a long road for the Cook Islands to get where it is now, and it seemed New Zealand wanted to knock the country back down.

Scoop

4 hours ago

• Scoop

UP Education Strengthens China-NZ Education Links On Prime Ministers Delegation

Auckland, New Zealand — UP Education Chief Executive Mark Rushworth has joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on this week's high-level diplomatic and trade mission to China, a visit that highlights the vital role international education plays in strengthening the economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations. 'Education is one of New Zealand's most valuable exports. Partnerships like these grow our global reputation, develop world-class talent, and strengthen long-term economic and diplomatic ties,' said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. For UP Education, the delegation marks a major moment in its strategic efforts across China — its most important international market. With over 2,400 Chinese students enrolled across its foundation and private higher education programmes since late 2023, the group is seeing strong momentum, with annual growth now exceeding 50%. Rushworth says the organisation is targeting to double Chinese enrolments by 2026, supported by deep in-market investment and a long-standing commitment to the region through its 25 year market leading partnership with the University of Auckland. 'We've built the largest China-based team of any New Zealand education provider,' said Rushworth. 'With 10 full-time staff across eight cities, we're able to support students, families, and agents in both Tier 1 and Tier 2/3 regions and deliver over 500 engagement events annually.' As part of the Prime Minister's visit, UP Education has also launched a NZ$250,000 'Future Scholarship' fund to support high-achieving Chinese students. The fund includes full-fee support for students entering foundation programmes in New Zealand, as well as a new suite of postgraduate offerings, tailored specifically for Chinese learners with global ambitions. In addition to the scholarship launch, UP Education formalised three new partnerships in China through signed Memoranda of Understanding. These agreements include: • A collaboration with Etonkids Educational Group to strengthen early childhood education through teacher training and academic exchange, underpinned by shared philosophies between Etonkids and UP's New Zealand Tertiary College. • A pathway partnership with Hangzhou No.2 High School, one of China's most respected academic institutions, which will host a New Zealand-focused programme preparing students for direct entry into the University of Auckland Certificate in Foundation Studies. • An initiative with Beijing National Day School, a flagship public school in Beijing, including direct admission offers and scholarship support for top-performing students, along with regular sessions for students and families about studying in New Zealand. ' During this visit, we're proud to be formalising new relationships with leading institutions at every level — from preschool to secondary and tertiary — and reinforcing the role private education plays in delivering life-changing opportunities for students,' said Rushworth. ' We're also showcasing how New Zealand institutions can partner authentically and ambitiously with China for shared long-term benefit.' With over 39,000 students across 64 campuses in New Zealand and Australia, UP Education delivers higher education, vocational training, and university pathway programmes through partnerships with institutions such as the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and AUT, as well as private providers including Yoobee Colleges, NZMA, the New Zealand Tertiary College, and the Healthcare Academy of New Zealand. About UP Education UP Education is one of the largest private education providers in Australasia, delivering quality education to thousands of learners across New Zealand and Australia. With a strong focus on student outcomes, UP Education offers a wide range of higher education and vocational training programs through its network of colleges, institutes, and industry partnerships. Across its porgolio, UP Education is commited to empowering learners with the skills, support, and confidence to thrive in a changing world. Through strong relationships with industry, government, and community, UP Education ensures that its graduates are work-ready and equipped for future success. Whether through pathway programs that lead to university or practical, hands-on training aligned with workforce needs, UP Education exists to unlock potential and transform lives through education.