New Zealand is pausing its funding to the Cook Islands in the wake of a controversial deal signed between China and the Cook Islands. 

Foreign Minister Winston Peters today confirmed funding for the island nation in free association with New Zealand will not resume until the Cook Islands Government “takes concrete steps to repair the relationship and restore trust”. 

It comes on the eve of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his current visit to China. 

In February, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown travelled to China before signing the Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030, which concerned economic, infrastructure and maritime cooperation, and seabed mineral development. 

The deal has prompted international concern over China’s growing presence and influence in the Pacific region. 

New Zealand, which provided citizenship and other support to the Cook Islands population through its free association relationship, was caught unawares by the deal, with Peters critical over the lack of communication. 

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, left, and Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters in Rarotonga. 8 February 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Eleisha Foon 

New Zealand then initiated an assessment of its development programme in the Cook Islands, claiming it was designed to “ensure it wasn’t undermined by the increased cooperation the Cook Islands Government is planning with China“. 

Peters’ statement today noted New Zealand had provided almost $200 million to the Cook Islands through its development programme over the past three years. 

“The agreements signed by the Cook Islands and China and the lack of consultation with New Zealand about them, illustrate a gap in understanding between the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments about what our special relationship of free association requires,” he said. 

“New Zealand hopes that steps will be taken swiftly to address New Zealand’s concerns so that this support can be resumed as soon as possible.” 

The issue would no doubt feature in Luxon’s upcoming meetings with Chinese leaders during his current visit to China. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been approached for comment. 

Adam Pearse is the Deputy Political Editor and part of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland.