New Zealand halts millions in aid to Cook Islands over China deals

Te Tuhi Kelly on 18/06/2025

Again was I right or was I right? NZ’s suspension of aid is a significant escalation, showing it views this as more than just a policy disagreement, and rightly so, it’s considered a breach of trust. NZ will presumably review all cooperation, potentially renegotiate constitutional arrangements, and push for more transparent consultation. The Cook Islands government may face internal pressure to balance Chinese engagement with preserving long-standing NZ ties and benefits. As I wrote weeks ago, NZ has indeed hit the Cook Islands pocketbook, and other diplomatic avenues are likely to follow until transparency and consultation are restored. Unfortunately the voters will forget this and we will get more of the same at the polls. Which will again lead to mediocrity decision making by this Govt or the other parties who by some major fluke get the treasury benches. We have certain responsibilities for this free association with NZ and we have crapped on the hand that has stood by us through thick and thin since independence, well pseudo-independence.