Cook Islands–New Zealand relations

Cook Islands–New Zealand relations are the bilateral relations between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. Since 1965, the Cook Islands has been a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.

Diplomatic relations

The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand, which is responsible for assisting with the Cook Island's requests for assistance in the areas of foreign affairs, defence and natural disasters. Under this arrangement, the Cook Islands has its own international legal personality and conducts its own international relations, including establishing diplomatic relations with other countries.

The Cook Islands maintains a High Commission in Wellington and a consul-general in Auckland. New Zealand maintains a High Commission in Rarotonga.

History

20th century

The Cook Islands became a British protectorate in 1888 until it was annexed by New Zealand as its first South Pacific colony in 1901. Under this arrangement, land would remain under indigenous tenure and the ariki (chiefs) were to be consulted. However, the British Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain and the Colonial Office authorised New Zealand's annexation of the archipelago before consulting the chiefs after receiving assurances by Premier Richard Seddon and Governor Lord Ranfurly.

On 11 June 1901, the boundaries of the Realm of New Zealand was extended to include Rarotonga, Aitutaki, the southern and northern Cook Islands, and Niue. Suwarrow and Nassau were later incorporated into the Cook Islands' territory. During the First World War, hundreds of Cook Islanders participated in the New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion, which fought alongside British forces in Egypt, Palestine and France.

On 4 August 1965, the Cook Islands gained self-governance through a free association agreement. Under this agreement, the Cook Islands remained part of the Realm of New Zealand and recognized the Monarch of New Zealand as its head of state. The Cook Islanders were also accorded New Zealand citizenship, immigration rights and received financial assistance from New Zealand.

21st century

In April 2024, the New Zealand Government confirmed it was tracking the Cook Islands's proposed Tainted Cryptocurrency Recovery Bill and discussing the issue with Cook Islands officials. The controversial legislation proposed allowing recovery agents to use various means to investigate and find cryptocurrency that may have been used for illegal purposes. University of Otago political scientist Professor Robert Patman said the proposed legislation could have implications for New Zealand's constitutional arrangements with the Cook Islands.

On 23 December 2024, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters rebuffed a proposal by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown for the Cook Islands to have its own passport while retaining New Zealand citizenship.

In late December 2024, New Zealand raised concerns with the Cook Islands government about its shipping registry being used to help the Russian shadow fleet circumvent international sanctions following the 2024 Estlink 2 incident.