New Zealand–Cook Islands relationship and China deal

The story so far

New Zealand and the Cook Islands government disagree on several matters, and locals planned a protest march in Rarotonga over the relationship with New Zealand and possible deals with China.^{6 Feb 2025} Prime Minister Mark Brown shelved a proposal for a separate Cook Islands passport after New Zealand warned it could affect the constitutional relationship between the two nations.^{7 Feb 2025} Brown signed agreements in China, including a five-year strategic partnership action plan, without consulting Wellington, and New Zealand said it was significantly concerned and wanted transparency.^{9, 18, 19 Feb 2025} Experts said the deal, including a five-year seabed agreement, could give China a significant strategic presence in the Pacific and has national security implications for both countries.^{23 Feb 2025} Foreign Minister Winston Peters called for a reset of the relationship and visited Beijing to discuss it, while Brown survived a 13-to-9 no-confidence vote at home.^{19, 25, 26 Feb 2025}

Latest

After surviving the no-confidence vote, Brown wrote to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon accusing the New Zealand Government of spreading misinformation.^{26 Feb 2025}

What's next

A spokesperson for Luxon said the letter from Brown will be responded to.^{26 Feb 2025}

Key moments

1. 7 Feb 2025Brown shelves separate Cook Islands passport proposal after NZ warnings.
2. 9 Feb 2025NZ concerned after Cook Islands fails to consult on China agreements.
3. 18 Feb 2025Cook Islands releases China partnership action plan; protests follow in Rarotonga.
4. 19 Feb 2025Peters calls for relationship reset, describing agreements as opaque.
5. 23 Feb 2025Experts warn China deal, including seabed agreement, has security implications.
6. 25 Feb 2025Peters arrives in Beijing for 48-hour visit to meet senior Chinese leaders.
7. 26 Feb 2025Brown survives 13-9 no-confidence vote, then accuses NZ of misinformation.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.