Media Reports: South Pacific Nation to Declare Independence
According to reports, the Cook Islands could potentially achieve full independence from New Zealand soon. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Cook Islands archipelago is reportedly moving toward complete separation from New Zealand.
According to an Auckland-based outlet, the Cook Islands is on track to achieve full independence soon, referencing declassified documents from the government. The 15-island archipelago has functioned as a self-governing territory since 1965, with New Zealand managing defense and budgetary support while both entities acknowledge Charles III of the UK as their head of state.
Prime Minister Mark Brown has communicated to New Zealand the archipelago's intention to establish its own citizenship and issue passports, as reported by 1News on Monday, based on the obtained documents.
In response, the New Zealand government stated that this “would raise fundamental questions for our constitutional relationship and shared citizenship.”
New Zealand does not oppose the Cook Islands declaring full independence, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reportedly informed Brown during a meeting last month, according to the same 1News report. However, he noted that Wellington “would have a duty to ensure that Cook Islanders who are New Zealand citizens have an opportunity to express a view on the full implications of such a development,” based on documents reviewed by the outlet.
A move toward full independence would necessitate a referendum involving Cook Islanders, as stated by New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters in a letter also seen by 1News.
The Cook Islands has a population of approximately 15,000 people, most of whom are also New Zealand citizens. Additionally, around 80,000 Cook Islanders reside in New Zealand, with about 85% having been born there.
Located roughly 1,900 miles from New Zealand, the Cook Islands were first settled by Polynesians who journeyed from Tahiti. The islands came into contact with European explorers in 1595 and were later named after British explorer Captain James Cook, who visited them in the 1770s.
During the 19th century, the Cook Islands became a favored port for whaling ships from Britain, America, and Australia. Today, the nation’s economy primarily relies on tourism, with visitors drawn to its beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. Additional revenue comes from fishing, offshore banking, pearl exports, and financial support from New Zealand.
The United States has also recognized the Cook Islands as a sovereign nation, establishing diplomatic relations with Avarua in September 2023.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to an Auckland-based outlet, the Cook Islands is on track to achieve full independence soon, referencing declassified documents from the government. The 15-island archipelago has functioned as a self-governing territory since 1965, with New Zealand managing defense and budgetary support while both entities acknowledge Charles III of the UK as their head of state.
Prime Minister Mark Brown has communicated to New Zealand the archipelago's intention to establish its own citizenship and issue passports, as reported by 1News on Monday, based on the obtained documents.
In response, the New Zealand government stated that this “would raise fundamental questions for our constitutional relationship and shared citizenship.”
New Zealand does not oppose the Cook Islands declaring full independence, as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reportedly informed Brown during a meeting last month, according to the same 1News report. However, he noted that Wellington “would have a duty to ensure that Cook Islanders who are New Zealand citizens have an opportunity to express a view on the full implications of such a development,” based on documents reviewed by the outlet.
A move toward full independence would necessitate a referendum involving Cook Islanders, as stated by New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters in a letter also seen by 1News.
The Cook Islands has a population of approximately 15,000 people, most of whom are also New Zealand citizens. Additionally, around 80,000 Cook Islanders reside in New Zealand, with about 85% having been born there.
Located roughly 1,900 miles from New Zealand, the Cook Islands were first settled by Polynesians who journeyed from Tahiti. The islands came into contact with European explorers in 1595 and were later named after British explorer Captain James Cook, who visited them in the 1770s.
During the 19th century, the Cook Islands became a favored port for whaling ships from Britain, America, and Australia. Today, the nation’s economy primarily relies on tourism, with visitors drawn to its beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. Additional revenue comes from fishing, offshore banking, pearl exports, and financial support from New Zealand.
The United States has also recognized the Cook Islands as a sovereign nation, establishing diplomatic relations with Avarua in September 2023.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
