Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown has concluded a week of engagements across New Zealand, reinforcing connections with Cook Islanders abroad, advancing key partnerships, and setting a clear direction for the next phase of the Cook Islands–New Zealand relationship.
The visit, held during the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance, brought together community, cultural and government engagements across Wellington, Auckland, and Ngāruawāhia.
“This visit has been about our people, our partnerships, and our future,” Prime Minister Brown said. “We have connected directly with our communities, listened to their priorities, and taken practical steps to ensure they remain supported and engaged as part of our nation.”
Throughout the programme, the Prime Minister announced a series of practical initiatives to better support Cook Islanders living in New Zealand, including expanded student support, new internship pathways into government, improved access to public services, and progress toward delivering Cook Islands status stamp services in New Zealand.
“These are practical actions that respond to what our people have asked for. It is about making it easier to stay connected, to access services, and to contribute back home.”
Engagement with community organisations also progressed, including discussions with the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) to formalise a partnership focused on delivering more coordinated and effective support for Cook Islanders abroad.
“Our communities are strong. When we align government and community efforts, we create better outcomes for our people.”
In Wellington, the Prime Minister set out a confident vision for the Cook Islands’ next chapter, grounded in identity, unity, and economic resilience, and reaffirmed the enduring relationship with New Zealand as one built on shared history and mutual respect.
“This is a relationship we value deeply. It continues to evolve as both countries grow and as our expectations of partnership mature.”
The visit also included attendance at the 130th Tūrangawaewae Royal Regatta, at the invitation of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po. The Prime Minister was hosted at Tūrangawaewae Marae alongside iwi leaders and partners from across New Zealand.
“I acknowledge Te Arikinui for her leadership and the honour extended to the Cook Islands through this invitation,” Prime Minister Brown said.
The Regatta brought together leaders to reflect on shared history and advance dialogue on climate resilience, aligning closely with the longstanding relationship between the Cook Islands and the Kiingitanga, including the Koreromotu/Kawenata.
As part of the programme, the Prime Minister held an informal discussion with New Zealand Foreign Minister Rt Hon. Winston Peters in Auckland.
The two delegations discussed the fundamental challenges facing the Cook Islands–New Zealand relationship over the past 18 months and possible ways forward.
Political dialogue between the two countries will continue in the coming weeks to determine how these matters can be progressed.
Prime Minister Brown said the meeting reflected the importance of continued engagement at all levels.
He closed by acknowledging the strength of the Cook Islands community in New Zealand and their ongoing contribution to the nation.
“Our people remain at the centre of everything we do. Whether at home or abroad, we are one nation, connected through our language, our culture, and our shared responsibility to one another.”
“This visit has reaffirmed that connection, and we move forward with confidence in what we can achieve together.”
