New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
ReutersDEC 26 2024
New Zealand Opposes Cook Islands' Plan for Separate Passport
Above: New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters speaks to the press on Nov. 28, 2024 in Berlin. Image copyright: Tobias Schwarz/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Cook Islanders — not their politicians — must be free to decide whether to have their own passport or to maintain their special relationship with New Zealand, knowing that one of these paths can be chosen as they are mutually exclusive. And when they are able to do so, they must understand that their choice may have unintended consequences.
Narrative B
Authorities in New Zealand have sought to create a tempest in a teapot over this request, promoting the notion that a Cook Islands passport would only be possible if the self-governing state were to put an end to its free association with New Zealand. Cook Islanders may rest assured that changing this constitutional relationship is no option.