The Government has criticised recent reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) regarding the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, calling it ‘inaccurate and inflammatory’.

An article published on the ABC website on April 2 reported comments made by Prime Minister Mark Brown on the ABC Australia programme, The Pacific.

The article, originally titled “Cook Islands prime minister wants to rework ties to NZ to be more independent”, reported Brown’s comments on New Zealand’s proposal to reset and re-examine the long-standing constitutional agreement between the two countries, following the Cook Islands’ recent agreements with China.

In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said the article misrepresented the nature of their longstanding partnership and the intent behind the Cook Islands’ independent foreign policy decisions. 

An ABC spokesperson told Cook Islands News that one of the original headlines for the story didn’t capture the nuance of the Prime Minister’s comments and has been changed, and an Editor's Note has been put on the story.

The story was retitled “Cook Islands PM says a new constitutional agreement with NZ needs to reflect country's increasing independence”.

The Editor’s note stated: “An earlier version of the headline and summary suggested the Cook Islands is seeking greater independence. They have since been updated to clarify that the Cook Islands will only consider a new constitutional agreement with New Zealand if it reflects the Pacific Island’s increasing independence.”

The spokesperson stated that the article did not imply the Prime Minister was advocating for constitutional separation from New Zealand.

“It was clear he was responding to questions regarding New Zealand’s push for a review of constitutional arrangements,” the spokesperson added. “The article said: Mr Brown has told the ABC’s The Pacific program that he was not pushing to make any changes to his country’s constitutional arrangements. But he said if New Zealand wanted a new agreement, then it should reflect the fact Cook Islands had become more independent over the decades and shouldn’t “wind back the clock” to the colonial era.”

In the OPM statement, Cook Islands Government reaffirmed its commitment to a strong and cooperative relationship with New Zealand, based on mutual respect, historical ties and shared regional interests. 

“The Cook Islands wishes to make clear: There is no proposal from the Cook Islands Government to change its constitutional relationship with New Zealand. Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown has not, nor has he ever, advocated for a constitutional separation from New Zealand. Responding to ABC, the Prime Minister simply stated that if a review of the relationship is being initiated by New Zealand, that he would expect such a review to reflect upon the Cook Islands’ contemporary status and development since 1965,” the OPM said.

The Office of the PM also clarified the agreements signed with China “do not contain any defence or security clauses”.

“The Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership provides a framework for engagement in trade, climate resilience, education, and infrastructure. There is no provision for military activity, defence cooperation, or exclusive strategic access by any party,” it said.

“The agreements signed with China are not legally binding, and they do not supersede the Cook Islands own national legislation, regulations, policies or procedures. In fact, the agreements refer to the pre-eminence of Cook Islands legislation, regulations, policies and procedures in advancing cooperation on activities in the Cook Islands.”

Cook Islands Government is disappointed that these facts and context were not fully reflected in the recent ABC article, “which risks fuelling public misunderstanding and undermining the spirit of partnership that defines the Cook Islands–New Zealand relationship”.

According to PM Brown, the Cook Islands continues to value its close, enduring relationship with New Zealand – “one grounded in trust, history, and shared Pacific values”.

“But we also affirm our right to engage with a range of development partners, as any sovereign nation does, in a manner that reflects our interests and complies fully with our laws and international obligations,” he said.

“During the interview with ABC, I addressed a number of topics relevant to the Cook Islands’ domestic agenda and international partnerships – including our Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, the economic implications of our high-income country status, our longstanding relationship with New Zealand, and recent public discourse surrounding national identity.

“As with all my public engagements, my intention was to offer clarity and reassurance on these matters. However, I am conscious that media outlets may, at times, amplify selective elements of broader discussions, potentially leading to misinterpretation. In particular, I am aware there may be editorial interest in positioning the Cook Islands as pursuing full political independence – an assertion I categorically reject – this is not the position of the Cook Islands Government nor the subject of any active government agenda.”

In calling for greater journalistic integrity, PM Brown said the Government remained committed to continuing direct engagement with the Government of New Zealand “to ensure that any concerns are addressed directly and respectfully, rather than through the media”.

“The Cook Islands Government looks forward to continuing to engage in meaningful dialogue with New Zealand that reflects our shared history and future aspirations, ensuring that our people continue to benefit from a strong and stable relationship.”