The Cook Islands Government and the Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand (CIDANZ) have agreed to progress discussions towards a formal partnership to better support Cook Islanders living in New Zealand and, to explore the deepening of mutually beneficial trade, educational, sporting, cultural and professional exchanges.
The discussions took place this week as part of the Prime Minister’s programme of engagements with the Cook Islands community and key stakeholders in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown said the meeting with CIDANZ reflected a shared commitment to strengthening connections with Cook Islanders abroad and ensuring that practical support for Cook Islands residents requiring access to NZ health and other social services is pragmatic, cohesive, and effective.
“CIDANZ plays an important role in supporting our people here in New Zealand. We value the work they do every day with our families, our youth, and our communities,” said Prime Minister Brown.
“Our discussions focused on how we can formalise a partnership that delivers clear, practical outcomes for our people. Whether that is improving access to services, strengthening communication, or creating pathways for Cook Islanders to contribute back home.”
CIDANZ Board Chair Mareta Matenga welcomed the opportunity to deepen collaboration with the Cook Islands Government.
“Our communities are closely connected, no matter where we live. When the Cook Islands succeeds, our people here in New Zealand succeed, and the same applies in reverse,” said Ms Matenga.
“This partnership is about working together in a more coordinated way to support our people, particularly our younger generations who are seeking stronger connections to their identity, culture, and homeland.”
Discussions highlighted several priority areas for cooperation, including strengthening engagement with the Cook Islands diaspora, improving support for Cook Islanders travelling to New Zealand, supporting youth and education pathways, and enhancing cultural and language initiatives.
Both parties also recognised the importance of clearer, two-way communication between government and community, ensuring Cook Islanders have access to accurate information and opportunities to contribute their skills and experience.
The Cook Islands Government and CIDANZ acknowledged that strong collaboration during the COVID-19 response demonstrated what can be achieved when government and community organisations work together with a shared purpose.
Building on this foundation, both parties agreed to continue discussions towards a partnership that sets out shared priorities and practical actions.
Initial steps will focus on identifying early opportunities for collaboration. An example of what partnership may look like could include facilitating pastoral and other support for patients (and families) from the Cook Islands visiting New Zealand for health care, improved coordination of services, stronger community engagement, and exploring options for a more visible Cook Islands Government presence in Auckland to better serve the diaspora.
Prime Minister Brown said the partnership reflects a broader vision of collective progress.
“Our people are our strength, whether they are at home or abroad. This is about working together in a way that recognises that strength and turns it into opportunity for our country and our communities.”
Further discussions between the Cook Islands Government and CIDANZ will continue in the coming weeks.
