The Cook Islands government has withdrawn its proposal to introduce a national passport following significant opposition from New Zealand.
Prime Minister Mark Brown had initially suggested the creation of a symbolic national passport to mark 60 years of self-governance. However, New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters cautioned that such a move could jeopardize Cook Islanders’ New Zealand citizenship.
The decision to abandon the passport plan coincides with Brown’s upcoming visit to China from February 10 to 14, during which he is expected to sign a “Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Opposition leader Tina Browne welcomed the state visit to China as a “significant development in our foreign relations” but emphasized the need to protect national interests, regional stability, and sovereignty. She highlighted China’s growing influence in the Pacific and urged the government to maintain transparency, cautioning against compromising the nation’s independence or longstanding partnerships.
Political commentator Thomas Tarurongo Wynne stressed the importance of public consultation, noting, “If there’s one thing that the previous government has said that they got wrong was they did not consult enough with the people and they did not take the people with them.” He added, “That is absolutely integral here, also with such a small community, one decision has such a huge impact.”
As the Cook Islands navigates its foreign policy, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic opportunities with geopolitical considerations, ensuring that any new agreements align with the nation’s interests and the will of its people.
