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New Zealand citizenship ‘by right, not privilege’, says PM Brown
Tuesday 24 June 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Economy, National, New Zealand, Parliament, Regional
Prime Minister Mark Brown in Parliament on June 23, 2025. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU / 25062320
Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens “not by privilege, but by right”, said Prime Minister Mark Brown in response to a recent poll conducted in New Zealand on citizenship rights.
Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens “not by privilege, but by right”, said Prime Minister Mark Brown in response to a recent poll conducted in New Zealand on citizenship rights.
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Comments
Te Tuhi Kelly on 24/06/2025
A right comes with responsibility and PM Brown says NZ citizenship is our right, but that right exists because of our Free Association agreement with New Zealand. That agreement requires consultation on foreign policy, it’s not a ceremonial handshake, it’s a legally binding arrangement. Ignoring that, and then doubling down in the media, shows poor judgment and risks the very benefits we rely on: NZ citizenship, health, education, economic aid, and more. You don’t defend sovereignty by breaking trust, you defend it by understanding your obligations and making decisions transparently. We need leadership that educates and unites, not bluffs and blames. Get better advice and apologise, that's it. Carrying on in a Napolean-type defensive response does no one any good. Cook Islanders are only Cook Islanders at home in the Cook Islands, in NZ they are NZ citizens legally until he or others get to grips with this legal distinction they are going to continue to struggle to convince with their point of view. You wanted an open marriage of convenience through the 'Free Association' status, and you committed adultery and now must face and bear the consequences.
David Sadler on 24/06/2025
NZ citizenship for Cook Islands is a privilege, yes earned! When is PM Brown going to work with the mutual responsibility and respect he says exists? I am not seeing much respect for NZ from Brown!