Henry Puna Critiques New Zealand’s Role in Cook Islands Politics

Former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Henry Puna, has criticized New Zealand’s involvement in the internal politics of his nation, calling it “improper.” Puna’s remarks come as he assumes the presidency of the Cook Islands Party, a position that aligns him with current Prime Minister Mark Brown. He emphasized that any issues between the Cook Islands and New Zealand should be resolved privately, rather than in public discourse.

Puna’s comments follow a challenge from New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who called for a referendum on independence after agreements were signed between the Cook Islands and China in February 2023. This has raised concerns in Wellington about the nature of the Cook Islands’ foreign relationships. Puna stated that Peters’ remarks resonate with the Cook Islands populace, asserting the need for respect in the bilateral relationship.

“The special nature of our relationship with New Zealand must be underpinned by respect,” Puna asserted. He expressed that New Zealand’s interference in domestic affairs does not reflect this respect. Puna expressed a desire for discussions regarding these “slight complications” to occur out of the public eye.

In a recent decision, New Zealand paused $18.2 million in development funding, a move Puna described as “a bit tough,” but ultimately acknowledged that it was New Zealand’s decision. He defended the Cook Islands’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, pointing out that it mirrors a similar agreement New Zealand made with China in 2014. Puna noted that security was not a focal point in this partnership, stating, “there is nothing unusual about it.”

When asked about the implications of security in the Pacific, Puna clarified that traditional military concerns are not a priority for Pacific leaders. Instead, he emphasized that security issues for his country involve resilience against climate change, which threatens the region. “For us, security really is about being safe from the effects of climate change,” he explained.

Reflecting on the agreements with China, Puna expressed that he would have supported similar initiatives during his tenure as Prime Minister. He highlighted a collaborative project where the Cook Islands and China are jointly funding a $6 million interisland vessel. “Our government raised that with New Zealand years ago, and it was flatly rejected,” he said, indicating a missed opportunity for support.

The New Zealand government has maintained that the Cook Islands cannot seek membership in the United Nations while remaining in free association. Puna previously advocated for UN membership and noted that discussions with UN legal advisors indicated that the Cook Islands could qualify. However, he encountered resistance from former Prime Minister John Key and his administration, leading him to abandon the pursuit.

As the Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand, Puna expressed pride in the nation’s journey. He cited the construction of the international airport as a significant achievement that has bolstered tourism and the economy. Looking to the future, Puna emphasized the importance of economic development, stating, “Everything else will fall into place,” while expressing confidence in the capabilities of the youth in his country.

Puna’s leadership as the new president of the Cook Islands Party signals a commitment to strengthening the party and addressing the challenges facing the nation. As discussions continue regarding New Zealand’s role, the future of the Cook Islands remains a topic of critical importance.