Cook Islands Prime Minister criticises New Zealand over development aid pause

Friday 20 June 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Fri 20 Jun 2025, 6:20pm

In this story Winston Peters, New Zealand Government, Mark Brown

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has called New Zealand's decision to pause $18.2 million in development assistance "patronising". Foreign Minister Winston Peters paused the funding following a lack of consultation regarding deals signed with China. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon noted that officials are working through security and sovereignty risks related to the Cook Islands' strategic deal with Beijing.

How they headlined it

7h

7:39am2:39pm4:38pm5:27pm6:20pm

1. NewsroomFri 20 Jun 2025, 7:39am

   Cook Islands saga another test for Govt’s China policy as Luxon hits Beijing (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 20 Jun 2025, 2:39pm

   Mark Brown slams New Zealand for its 'patronising approach' over China deal (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesFri 20 Jun 2025, 4:38pm

   Cook Islands PM slams NZ over funding pause (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldFri 20 Jun 2025, 5:27pm

   Cook Island Prime Minister criticises NZ aid pause as ‘patronising’ (opens in new tab)

5. 1News via RNZFri 20 Jun 2025, 6:20pm

   Cook Islands PM slams NZ for 'patronising approach' over China deal (opens in new tab)