The people of the Cook Islands suffer from PM Brown’s arrogant bad behaviour.

Yet again, our PM is a source of embarrassment to the nation by having our $18 million aid from New Zealand suspended, for his political flirtations with communist China. Not only is Mark boxing way above his weight, he has become a rude, irresponsible leader of the people of the Cook Islands towards our longest lasting and closest partner, Aotearoa, New Zealand.

New Zealand was not consulted about the “Cook Islands China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Joint Action Plan”, before it was signed in February 2025?    Is this how we treat our partner, soulmate and protector? Who would be the first to land their Hercules C130 after suffering from a cyclone? Where do we send our sick patients when no treatment is available here? Whose citizenship and passport do we carry? The least we can do is be loyal to our partner.

No security or defence arrangements you say Mark? Get real … doesn’t everything start with a stroll in the Rose Gardens? With Penrhyn’s ocean deep lagoon which the Americans anchored aircraft carriers in the second world war?    Would it not be a threat to Australia and New Zealand if Communist China use the Penrhyn lagoon to anchor their nuclear-powered warships? 

A word of advice Prime Minister, you are overstepping the Mark, slow down, think hard first, study the implications and consequences of your actions. If you are to join the ranks and achievements of Papa Arapati Henry, Papa Tom Davis and Papa Geoffrey Henry, change directions and seek advice from your advisors. 

Good luck and may God bless you and your family Mark.

Yours sincerely

 Norman George                                                                                                                                            Former MP