Latest news with #JointCentenaryDeclaration
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark Blames Cook Islands For Creating A Crisis
Article – RNZ Helen Clark says the Cook Islands government entered into a strategic partnership with a major power nation – China – without consulting New Zealand. Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Producer 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'. 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 Technology (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 Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) said. 'An issue that the Cook Islands is determined to address as a matter of urgency'. 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 '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.
Scoop
8 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Former New Zealand PM Helen Clark Blames Cook Islands For Creating A Crisis
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". 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 Technology (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 Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) said. "An issue that the Cook Islands is determined to address as a matter of urgency". 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 "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.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Mark Brown Slams New Zealand For Its 'Patronising Approach' Over China Deal
Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist 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. On Wednesday local time, Brown said 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," he told his parliament on Thursday. "Decisions to unilaterally pause core sector support reflect a patronising approach, inconsistent with modern partnership." 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 was "explicitly clear" that the Cook Islands could enter 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," he said. "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." 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 stood by the statements issued Thursday. In parliament, Brown suggested a double standard from New Zealand and said 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 visiting 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." Not everyone agrees. Rarotongan artist Tim Buchanan said Peters was 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 had been a long road for the Cook Islands to get where it was now and New Zealand seemed to want to knock the country back down.
Otago Daily Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Cook Islands PM slams NZ over funding pause
By Caleb Fortheringham of RNZ 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. On Wednesday local time, Brown said 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," he told his parliament on Thursday. "Decisions to unilaterally pause core sector support reflect a patronising approach, inconsistent with modern partnership." 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 was "explicitly clear" that the Cook Islands could enter 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," he said. "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." Peters' office was approached for a response on Brown's comments. A spokesperson for Peters said they would make no further comment and stood by the statements issued Thursday. In parliament, Brown suggested a double standard from New Zealand and said 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 June 4. He also said it had nothing to do with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visiting 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." Not everyone agrees. Rarotongan artist Tim Buchanan said Peters was 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 had been a long road for the Cook Islands to get where it was now and New Zealand seemed to want to knock the country back down.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
China could win from Cook Islands-New Zealand spat
Confusion and concern is mounting over a growing spat between New Zealand and Cook Islands, which analysts believe could result in stronger ties between the Pacific island nation and China. New Zealand is withholding key aid, worth $A16.8 million, to its former colony after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a pair of secretly negotiated agreements with Beijing earlier this year. Kiwi Foreign Minister Winston Peters has defended the move as necessary after Mr Brown broke agreements it had with New Zealand. "Trust and meaningful engagement are fundamental to free association," a spokesperson for Mr Peters said. Mr Brown argues that New Zealand is acting cruelly, given that funding is worth more than four per cent of his country's budget. "It is targeted, and has always been targeted, towards the sectors of health, education, and tourism," he told parliament this week. Cook Islands is only semi-independent, governing in "free association" with Wellington after breaking away in 1965, with its citizens afforded Kiwi passports and the benefits of New Zealand citizenship. However, those perks come courtesy of a promise to consult with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Both sides agree there has been a breakdown in the interpretation of the key pact - the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration - which underpins relations. The rift is causing ructions both internally and in the region. Locals have rallied alongside the Cook Islands opposition parties in support of keeping ties to New Zealand, given its deep historical ties, which extend to a majority of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand. Pacific analysts, including Massey University associate professor Anna Powles, believe Mr Peters' call to withhold aid could deepen Mr Brown's ties with Beijing. "(It) opens the door for increased Chinese engagement with the Cook Islands," she told Radio NZ. "This could be a very good news story for China, and it certainly puts New Zealand in a weaker position, as a consequence." Dr Powles described the situation as "pretty messy", which threatened to boil over at September's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Solomon Islands. While the aid cut was made clear to the Cook Islands a fortnight ago, it has been made public this week as New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon undertakes a state visit to China. Speaking from Shanghai, Mr Luxon affirmed his support for the decision - but said it would not cloud his talks with the superpower. "Our issue is really with the Cook Islands. It's between Cook Islands and New Zealand," he said. "We were unhappy and dissatisfied with the fact that the Cook Islands government wasn't open and transparent about its international agreements." Confusion and concern is mounting over a growing spat between New Zealand and Cook Islands, which analysts believe could result in stronger ties between the Pacific island nation and China. New Zealand is withholding key aid, worth $A16.8 million, to its former colony after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a pair of secretly negotiated agreements with Beijing earlier this year. Kiwi Foreign Minister Winston Peters has defended the move as necessary after Mr Brown broke agreements it had with New Zealand. "Trust and meaningful engagement are fundamental to free association," a spokesperson for Mr Peters said. Mr Brown argues that New Zealand is acting cruelly, given that funding is worth more than four per cent of his country's budget. "It is targeted, and has always been targeted, towards the sectors of health, education, and tourism," he told parliament this week. Cook Islands is only semi-independent, governing in "free association" with Wellington after breaking away in 1965, with its citizens afforded Kiwi passports and the benefits of New Zealand citizenship. However, those perks come courtesy of a promise to consult with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Both sides agree there has been a breakdown in the interpretation of the key pact - the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration - which underpins relations. The rift is causing ructions both internally and in the region. Locals have rallied alongside the Cook Islands opposition parties in support of keeping ties to New Zealand, given its deep historical ties, which extend to a majority of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand. Pacific analysts, including Massey University associate professor Anna Powles, believe Mr Peters' call to withhold aid could deepen Mr Brown's ties with Beijing. "(It) opens the door for increased Chinese engagement with the Cook Islands," she told Radio NZ. "This could be a very good news story for China, and it certainly puts New Zealand in a weaker position, as a consequence." Dr Powles described the situation as "pretty messy", which threatened to boil over at September's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Solomon Islands. While the aid cut was made clear to the Cook Islands a fortnight ago, it has been made public this week as New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon undertakes a state visit to China. Speaking from Shanghai, Mr Luxon affirmed his support for the decision - but said it would not cloud his talks with the superpower. "Our issue is really with the Cook Islands. It's between Cook Islands and New Zealand," he said. "We were unhappy and dissatisfied with the fact that the Cook Islands government wasn't open and transparent about its international agreements." Confusion and concern is mounting over a growing spat between New Zealand and Cook Islands, which analysts believe could result in stronger ties between the Pacific island nation and China. New Zealand is withholding key aid, worth $A16.8 million, to its former colony after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a pair of secretly negotiated agreements with Beijing earlier this year. Kiwi Foreign Minister Winston Peters has defended the move as necessary after Mr Brown broke agreements it had with New Zealand. "Trust and meaningful engagement are fundamental to free association," a spokesperson for Mr Peters said. Mr Brown argues that New Zealand is acting cruelly, given that funding is worth more than four per cent of his country's budget. "It is targeted, and has always been targeted, towards the sectors of health, education, and tourism," he told parliament this week. Cook Islands is only semi-independent, governing in "free association" with Wellington after breaking away in 1965, with its citizens afforded Kiwi passports and the benefits of New Zealand citizenship. However, those perks come courtesy of a promise to consult with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Both sides agree there has been a breakdown in the interpretation of the key pact - the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration - which underpins relations. The rift is causing ructions both internally and in the region. Locals have rallied alongside the Cook Islands opposition parties in support of keeping ties to New Zealand, given its deep historical ties, which extend to a majority of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand. Pacific analysts, including Massey University associate professor Anna Powles, believe Mr Peters' call to withhold aid could deepen Mr Brown's ties with Beijing. "(It) opens the door for increased Chinese engagement with the Cook Islands," she told Radio NZ. "This could be a very good news story for China, and it certainly puts New Zealand in a weaker position, as a consequence." Dr Powles described the situation as "pretty messy", which threatened to boil over at September's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Solomon Islands. While the aid cut was made clear to the Cook Islands a fortnight ago, it has been made public this week as New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon undertakes a state visit to China. Speaking from Shanghai, Mr Luxon affirmed his support for the decision - but said it would not cloud his talks with the superpower. "Our issue is really with the Cook Islands. It's between Cook Islands and New Zealand," he said. "We were unhappy and dissatisfied with the fact that the Cook Islands government wasn't open and transparent about its international agreements." Confusion and concern is mounting over a growing spat between New Zealand and Cook Islands, which analysts believe could result in stronger ties between the Pacific island nation and China. New Zealand is withholding key aid, worth $A16.8 million, to its former colony after Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a pair of secretly negotiated agreements with Beijing earlier this year. Kiwi Foreign Minister Winston Peters has defended the move as necessary after Mr Brown broke agreements it had with New Zealand. "Trust and meaningful engagement are fundamental to free association," a spokesperson for Mr Peters said. Mr Brown argues that New Zealand is acting cruelly, given that funding is worth more than four per cent of his country's budget. "It is targeted, and has always been targeted, towards the sectors of health, education, and tourism," he told parliament this week. Cook Islands is only semi-independent, governing in "free association" with Wellington after breaking away in 1965, with its citizens afforded Kiwi passports and the benefits of New Zealand citizenship. However, those perks come courtesy of a promise to consult with New Zealand on defence and security matters. Both sides agree there has been a breakdown in the interpretation of the key pact - the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration - which underpins relations. The rift is causing ructions both internally and in the region. Locals have rallied alongside the Cook Islands opposition parties in support of keeping ties to New Zealand, given its deep historical ties, which extend to a majority of Cook Islanders living in New Zealand. Pacific analysts, including Massey University associate professor Anna Powles, believe Mr Peters' call to withhold aid could deepen Mr Brown's ties with Beijing. "(It) opens the door for increased Chinese engagement with the Cook Islands," she told Radio NZ. "This could be a very good news story for China, and it certainly puts New Zealand in a weaker position, as a consequence." Dr Powles described the situation as "pretty messy", which threatened to boil over at September's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Solomon Islands. While the aid cut was made clear to the Cook Islands a fortnight ago, it has been made public this week as New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon undertakes a state visit to China. Speaking from Shanghai, Mr Luxon affirmed his support for the decision - but said it would not cloud his talks with the superpower. "Our issue is really with the Cook Islands. It's between Cook Islands and New Zealand," he said. "We were unhappy and dissatisfied with the fact that the Cook Islands government wasn't open and transparent about its international agreements."
