Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he will only re-work constitutional ties with New Zealand if the new agreement makes it clear his country is now “more independent” – risking a fresh brawl with Wellington.
Brown has been caught up in a bitter dispute with New Zealand over contentious agreements he’s signed with China, as well as his push to introduce a passport for Cook Islands.
New Zealand said both of those moves were in breach of long-standing constitutional agreements from 1965, 1973 and 2001, which made it clear Cook Islands must consult with it over foreign policy and security issues.
I agree the Cook Islands should be more independent. In fact they should be fully independent. But what Brown wants is all the perks of being part of the Realm of New Zealand, and none of the responsibilities.
So here’s what we should do:
- Referendum in Cooks on independence
- If they vote yes, we save $24 million a year in funding most of their Government
- We grandfather in existing Cooks residents as citizens, but anyone born after independence does not get NZ citizenship or residency
David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders.
4 comments:
In a world falling apart having good friends and neighbours might be a useful thing.
Being a small independent nation in a sea full of sharks is inviting trouble.
Let’s hope the people of the Cook Islands see sense and boot Mr Brown from office.
I agree, but we shouldn't have to wait for a referendum, by which time most Cook Island people will be seeking residency here anyway. If their elected government makes those ties with China, then that's divorce. They can't have their cake and eat it too. Bye, bye.
This is almost the same as claims for Maori sovereignty. Those Maori want all the perks of being under the sovereignty of the Crown, including taxpayer funded welfare, health care, education, corporate welfare to iwi, and the right to vote, but they want to avoid the responsibilities that come with that.
You probably should be just as concerned that part-Maori want this as well. All the benefits paid for by others. More independence....paid for by others.
Luxon has NOT shown any leadership. It should have immediately said Cook islands free entry to NZ stops today. We now will negotiate support and passports .
Doesnt matter the uproar because he can negotiate.
When you look at the next quarter of his important issues in parliament , there is NOT anything of real importance of stopping the division by ethnicity. Law abiding ethnicities in NZ only want everyone to be equal.
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