Cook Islands at 60: Do we really need New Zealand aid?

Te Tuhi Kelly on 28/06/2025

As talk grows around “full sovereignty” and aid independence, let’s be real, this isn’t a simple path. It’s a complex journey shaped by decades of agreements like the 1980 Maritime Treaty and the 1998 Manila fiscal deal. Each decision we make today, whether about aid, tax caps, or foreign policy, comes with its own set of benefits and consequences. We need to assess each layer carefully, because it’s not just about pride or politics, it’s about economic resilience, public services, and the long-term wellbeing of our people. Let’s not rush the narrative, because sovereignty isn’t just declared, it’s built, patiently and wisely. As for Vaine Wichman's comments about equals and partnerships and inching closer to sovereignty, TBH it's wishful thinking on her part, because we are as far away from our own sovereignty and aid independence as we were yesterday and we are not equal partners, not whilst we are in free association with New Zealand, it's a partnering arrangement, beholden to NZ, whether we believe it or not.