Latest news with #Peters
1News
4 hours ago
- Business
- 1News
Cook Islands PM slams NZ for 'patronising approach' over China deal
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. ADVERTISEMENT "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 yesterday. 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. ADVERTISEMENT "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". ADVERTISEMENT "[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.
Scoop
14 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
16 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 Mainichi
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
New Zealand pauses Cook Islands funding over deepening China ties
SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- New Zealand has suspended millions of dollars in funding to the Cook Islands, the government said Thursday, as relations between the two countries deteriorate over the South Pacific island nation's deepening ties with China. A spokesman for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement that New Zealand has paused NZ$18.2 million ($10.9 million) in development assistance funding for the 2025-2026 financial year, noting such support depends on a "high trust bilateral relationship." Ties between the Cook Islands and its largest funder have become strained, with New Zealand arguing that the South Pacific nation failed to adequately consult before signing multiple agreements with China in February, including a strategic partnership that spans areas such as deep-sea mining and infrastructure, but not security or defense. Beijing has been stepping up efforts to expand its influence in the Pacific in recent years, sparking concern in New Zealand and Australia. "The agreements signed by the Cook Islands and China and the lack of consultation with New Zealand about them, illustrate a gap in understanding between the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments about what our special relationship of free association requires," Peters said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said Thursday that both New Zealand and the Cook Islands are Beijing's "important cooperation partners." He added that China's assistance to the Pacific island nation "does not target any third party and should not be disrupted or restrained by any third party." New Zealand and the Cook Islands agreed to consult regularly on defense and security issues under a joint declaration signed by the two countries in 2001. Under its free association relationship, the Cook Islands is obliged to engage with Wellington on agreements with other countries that might affect New Zealand. The agreement requires New Zealand to provide defense and foreign affairs assistance at the request of the Cook Islands government.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Netflix getting broadcast TV channels for first time ever in app makeover – but only some telly fans will see first lot
The deal will reportedly bring an additional 30,000 hours worth of telly to Netflix next summer WIDEN THE NET Netflix getting broadcast TV channels for first time ever in app makeover – but only some telly fans will see first lot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NETFLIX is adopting broadcast channels for the first time after nearly all but killing off traditional linear TV. The streaming giant is picking up channels from TF1 Group, France's biggest commercial broadcaster, as part of a recently inked deal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 TF1 offers scripted dramas, live sports and reality shows like The Voice Credit: AFP 4 Only Netflix subscribers in France will be able to tune into the bonus content, the FT noted Credit: Getty Viewers will be able to watch all five TF1 live channels, the Financial Times reported. The deal will reportedly bring an additional 30,000 hours worth of telly to Netflix next summer. TF1 offers scripted dramas, live sports and reality shows like The Voice. Only Netflix subscribers in France will be able to tune into the bonus content, the FT noted. However, if the partnership is successful, more linear channels may jump to streaming services in other parts of Europe and the US in future. Netflix will first wait to see how the TF1 deal fares before cutting any more broadcasting deals, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said in a statement. The companies did not reveal how much the deal was worth. Peters added that the partnership would help boost subscriber engagement. Netflix has further turned its attention to engagement, after pivoting away from sharing subscriber counts. 'By teaming up with France's leading broadcaster, we will provide French consumers with even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment,' Peters said. Netflix reveal huge list of movies and TV shows being axed next month – with some children's favourites in the mix The deal also means TF1 gets more eyeballs on the adverts it airs between shows. "As viewing habits shift toward on-demand consumption and audience fragmentation increases, this unprecedented alliance will enable our premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers within an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ [streaming] platform,' Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of TF1 Group, said in a statement. It comes as streaming overtakes traditional TV for the first time in terms of viewership numbers. The milestone marks a steady shift towards internet-based telly, which has seen a near-doubling of streaming viewership since 2021 when it made up 26 per cent of TV use. Today that percentage stands at nearly 45 per cent, according to the latest figures released by Nielsen earlier this week. 4 "It's a credit to media companies," said Karthik Rao, boss of data specialist Nielsen, which launched its Gauge report on viewing statistics in May 2021. "They have deftly adapted their programming strategies to meet their viewers where they are watching TV, whether it's on streaming or linear platforms." Netflix claims to have "over" 300million subscribers. The deal would also allow Netflix to grow its audience in France. As of 2022, Netflix had 10million French subscribers, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said at the time. While TF1 Group's broadcast channels have 58million viewers per month, according to the FT. Its streaming service, TF1+, also reportedly boasts 35million users per month. Use Netflix on a computer or laptop? Try these useful shortcuts Here are some handy keyboard shortcuts... Spacebar – toggle play / pause Enter – toggle play / pause F – full screen Esc – exit full screen Left Arrow – rewind 10 seconds Right Arrow – fast-forward 10 seconds Up arrow – volume up Down arrow – volume down M – mute toggle Shift-Alt-Left Click – adjust the streaming bitrate (to improve or reduce the quality of the video)
