Wellington: New Zealand has paused millions of dollars in aid to the Cook Islands following the smaller Pacific nation’s recent agreements with China covering infrastructure, tourism, technology, and deep-sea mineral exploration.
Wellington, the Cook Islands’ largest financial supporter, announced the suspension of NZ$18.2 million (approximately $11 million) in funding until the Cook Islands takes concrete steps to repair the relationship and restore trust.
The decision comes amid growing concern among New Zealand, Australia, and other US allies over China’s expanding influence in the Pacific region.
The Cook Islands’ deals with Beijing, struck in February, form part of China’s broader strategy to court small but strategically important Pacific nations. The Cook Islands government responded promptly, expressing its commitment to resolving the issue.
“Constructive dialogue is ongoing, and the Cook Islands remain committed to engaging closely with New Zealand to understand where their concerns lie and how they can be addressed,” said the Cook Islands Foreign Ministry in a statement.
The funding suspension coincides with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s official visit to China, where he is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping on Friday.
Despite the timing, the New Zealand government’s spokesperson dismissed concerns that Beijing might interpret the move negatively, citing Wellington’s special relationship with the Cook Islands.
The controversy over the China deals also sparked protests on Rarotonga, the Cook Islands’ largest island, and triggered a parliamentary vote of no confidence against Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown in February, which he survived.
Brown defended the agreements as aligned with the nation’s long-term interests and assured Australia and New Zealand that these partnerships would not replace their longstanding relationships.
New Zealand maintains a free association relationship with the Cook Islands, assisting in defense and foreign affairs. Over the past three years, Wellington has contributed NZ$194 million in funding.
Cook Islanders hold New Zealand passports, and about 15,000 reside in the islands while an estimated 100,000 live in New Zealand and Australia.
Culturally, Cook Islands Māori are closely related to New Zealand Māori, further underscoring the strong historical and social bonds between the two nations. These deep ties explain the strong reactions in New Zealand to the Cook Islands’ unprecedented moves toward China.
