Why does Cook Islands want its own passport? Why has New Zealand rejected it?

The Cook Islands, a self-governing Pacific nation in free association with New Zealand, proposed to issue its own passports.

The request, which would allow for a unique Cook Islands passport while retaining New Zealand citizenship, has been firmly denied by New Zealand.

What is Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand?

The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific, comprises 15 islands and atolls, with a combined population of approximately 15,000. For nearly 60 years, it has operated as a self-governing nation in “free association” with New Zealand.

Under this arrangement, the Cook Islands enjoys significant autonomy, controlling its domestic and international affairs. However, New Zealand retains responsibility for defence and some foreign policy matters, which it handles at the request of the Cook Islands.

Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens, giving them access to live, work, and receive healthcare in New Zealand without restrictions. It is estimated that nearly 100,000 Cook Islanders reside in New Zealand, far surpassing the population in the Cook Islands itself.

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While the arrangement has been largely beneficial, it also highlights the Cook Islands’ reliance on New Zealand for critical services and international representation.

Why does Cook Islands want its own passport?

Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands has championed the idea of a Cook Islands passport, framing it as a step toward recognising the unique identity of the Cook Islands’ people.

Documents obtained by New Zealand’s broadcaster 1News reveal that Brown has been advocating for this initiative while maintaining the current constitutional arrangement with New Zealand.

“New Zealanders are free to carry dual passports; there are a number of New Zealanders who have their passports of other countries. It is precisely the same thing that we’ll be doing,” Brown stated in November, according to Radio New Zealand.

While some see it as a positive assertion of Cook Islands’ identity, others worry about its implications. Critics argue that the proposal could disrupt the delicate balance of the Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand and jeopardise access to essential services like healthcare and residency rights in New Zealand.

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Why has New Zealand rejected the proposal?

New Zealand has categorically denied the proposal, stating that issuing separate passports is incompatible with the Cook Islands’ current constitutional status.

Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained: “A Cook Islands passport would raise fundamental questions for our shared constitutional relationship and shared citizenship. Separate passports, citizenship, and United Nations membership are only available to fully independent and sovereign countries.”

Peters added that any move to alter the existing relationship would require a referendum in the Cook Islands. “Such a referendum would allow the Cook Islands people to carefully weigh up whether they prefer the status quo, with their access to New Zealand citizenship and passports, or full independence,” he said.

Brown later responded by stating that the Cook Islands would “not be implementing anything that affects our important status [with New Zealand].”

What has Cook Island achieved as a self-governing territory?

Despite its status as a self-governing territory, the Cook Islands has established its own foreign service, diplomatic network, and treaties. It is a member of several United Nations specialised agencies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNESCO, and maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 countries.

However, the Cook Islands is not a member of the United Nations, as full membership is reserved for fully sovereign states.

In recent years, it has signed treaties, such as a maritime border agreement with the United States in 1980 and another with France in 1990. In 2023, diplomatic relations were established with the United States, marking a significant milestone.

However, the lack of a separate citizenship limits the Cook Islands’ ability to act as a fully sovereign state. While the Cook Islands participates in global organisations like the Pacific Islands Forum, it remains constitutionally tied to New Zealand.

Any move toward United Nations membership would require a significant constitutional change, including relinquishing New Zealand citizenship.

What other territories face similar dilemmas?

The Cook Islands’ relationship with New Zealand is not unique. Niue, another Pacific territory, operates under a similar free association arrangement. Globally, territories like Greenland (linked to Denmark) and Puerto Rico (a US territory) also navigate the complexities of autonomy within larger sovereign entities.

Both the Cook Islands and Niue have expressed interest in full United Nations membership. However, New Zealand has indicated that it would not support such applications unless the territories became fully independent.

The choice ultimately lies with the Cook Islands people.

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With inputs from agencies