(Parliament Ministerial Statement by Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown: Delivered in Parliament on Wednesday 8 April 2026) Kia orana Mr Speaker, and kia orana to all Members. I rise today to make a ministerial statement to this House on a matter of national significance: the signing of the Cook Islands –New Zealand Declaration on Defence…
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) confirms that a delegation from the United States Government is undertaking a humanitarian assistance scoping visit to the Cook Islands from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 10 April 2026. The visit is focused on assessing the feasibility of potential projects supported through the U.S. Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and…
[Formal greetings to the Aronga Mana, Religious Advisory Council, Cabinet, Members of Parliament, and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Rt. Honourable Winston Peters and delegation]. Kia orana tatou katoatoa I te aro’a ma’ata o te Atua. Key moments in the journey of a nation arrive by steady navigation, with clear hearts and minds,…
The Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of New Zealand have today signed a Declaration on Defence and Security, setting out a clear and practical framework for how the two countries will work together in areas of defence and security. This Declaration reflects a relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a…
The Cook Islands Government welcomes the visit of New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Rt. Hon. Winston Peters tomorrow as part of ongoing engagement between the Cook Islands and New Zealand. The visit reflects the commitment of the Cook Islands Government to maintaining a stable and constructive relationship, grounded in partnership and shared values.…
The Office of the Prime Minister today announces the launch of a new national video series, E Avaiki Toku, beginning tomorrow across television and online platforms. The series brings to life the national theme of the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary: Kua kite au i toku turanga, e Avaiki toku – I know who I am,…
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…
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 Cook Islands has reaffirmed its enduring relationship with the Kiingitanga following Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown’s attendance at the 130th Tūrangawaewae Royal Regatta. Prime Minister Brown, accompanied by Te Kaumaitinui, was formally hosted by Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po at Tūrangawaewae Marae in Ngāruawāhia, alongside Waikato-Tainui and leaders from across…
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…