Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown last night announced a series of new initiatives to better support Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, during a community engagement in Auckland.
Speaking to an audience of Cook Islands community members, leaders, and partners, the Prime Minister outlined practical steps the Government is taking to strengthen support for Cook Islanders abroad and ensure they remain actively connected to national developments.
“Our people overseas are an essential part of our nation,” Prime Minister Brown said.
“Their contribution, their voice, and their identity continue to shape who we are and where we are going.”
The Auckland engagement formed part of the Prime Minister’s wider New Zealand programme, marking 60 years of self-governance and focused on engaging with Cook Islands communities and reinforcing key partnerships.
During his address, the Prime Minister announced five initiatives aimed at improving access, opportunity, and connection for Cook Islanders living in New Zealand.
Two initiatives focus on supporting Cook Islands students.
The Government will increase support through the Ta’okota’ianga fund, administered by the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington, to strengthen student associations and create opportunities for students to come together and celebrate their identity and culture.
A new internship programme will also be introduced across government agencies, including the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and Crown Law Office. This will provide Cook Islands students with opportunities to gain practical experience in government and build stronger pathways back home.
Three further initiatives respond directly to feedback from Cook Islands communities in New Zealand.
The Government has expanded access to its new online births, deaths and marriages system, which will eventually enable Cook Islanders abroad to request official documents such as birth certificates without needing to travel home.
Work is also underway to formalise engagement with the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ), with a focus on strengthening coordination and support for diaspora communities.
In addition, Cabinet has approved a pathway to introduce Cook Islands status stamp processing in New Zealand, with an initial rollout planned in Wellington from the second half of 2027.
“These are practical steps that respond to what our people have told us matters most,” the Prime Minister said. “It is about making services more accessible, creating opportunities for our young people, and ensuring our people remain connected to home in meaningful ways.”
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, grounded in shared history, values, and mutual respect.
“We value this relationship deeply and will continue to engage with care, confidence, and a clear focus on the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
He closed by acknowledging the ongoing contribution of Cook Islanders across New Zealand.
“Wherever our people are, we remain connected through our language, our culture, and our shared responsibility to one another.”
