Wellington: New Zealand has turned down a proposal from the Cook Islands to establish its own passports and citizenship, citing the constitutional relationship between the two nations. However, New Zealand expressed readiness to discuss full independence if the Cook Islands chooses to pursue it.
Citizenship and Sovereignty
A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, clarified in a statement on Sunday that separate passports, citizenship, and United Nations membership are privileges available only to fully independent and sovereign nations.
“If the goal of the Government of the Cook Islands is independence from New Zealand, then of course that’s a conversation we are ready for them to initiate,” the spokesperson said. He emphasized that any decision on the Cook Islands’ future would be determined through a referendum.
Cook Islands’ Status
The Cook Islands, a group of 15 islands and atolls in the South Pacific with a population of approximately 15,000, has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand for nearly six decades. While the Cook Islands controls its domestic and international affairs, its residents hold New Zealand citizenship.
According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand maintains a constitutional obligation to assist the Cook Islands in foreign affairs, disaster response, and defense.
Push for a Separate Passport
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has been advocating for the establishment of a Cook Islands passport. Documents first released to broadcaster 1News and reviewed by Reuters reveal that Brown has pressed New Zealand for approval on this matter.
In a letter dated September 2024, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters firmly rejected the proposal. “A Cook Islands passport would raise fundamental questions for our shared constitutional relationship and shared citizenship,” Peters wrote.
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At the time of publication, Prime Minister Brown had not responded to requests for comment. However, he has previously expressed interest in creating a distinct passport for the Cook Islands.
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Shared Cultural and Social Ties
Nearly 100,000 people identifying as Cook Island Maori currently reside in New Zealand, underscoring the deep cultural and familial ties between the two nations.
New Zealand’s offer to discuss independence signals a potential turning point in the longstanding constitutional relationship, should the Cook Islands decide to pursue full sovereignty.
