Regional unity not at risk amid tensions between NZ and Cook Islands, says Peters

By 'Alakihihifo Vailala, PMN

Foreign Minister Winston Peters Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has dismissed criticism over the government's decision not to send a minister to the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary celebrations.

In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Peters insists that regional unity in the Pacific remains strong despite recent tensions between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

His comments follow the New Zealand government's choice not to send any ministers to the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-governance. Peters describes Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro's attendance as "proper procedure".

"I was in the Prime Minister Cook Islands position, I'd regard that as the proper procedure, the proper protocol, and I'd be entirely happy with it," Peters says.

"It is, after all, a special realm relationship, and here comes the person in the shoes of the King of the Commonwealth."

The absence comes shortly after Peters announced a pause in $18.2 million of development funding to the Cook Islands, citing a lack of consultation over a recent agreement with China.

Peters' last meeting with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown was in Nice, where they met briefly. But he reassures that the situation is being managed between senior officials.

While former Prime Minister John Key attended the 50th anniversary in 2015, and both Peters and Christopher Luxon visited Niue ahead of its commemorations last year, Peters says the government believes the current arrangement is appropriate.

Peters also discussed developments in New Caledonia, saying he is satisfied with the increased responsiveness to some concerns of the local population.

Fomer Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna with the former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key at the 50th anniversary of self-government for the Cook Islands. Photo: Cook Islands Government

France-New Caledonia reach new deal

France has agreed to grant New Caledonia special status, but it has not granted independence to the Pacific island nation, which has been a French territory since the mid-1800s.

Between 2018 and 2021, New Caledonia held three votes to decide on independence, none of which were successful.

Recently, tensions rose when new voting rights were extended to non-Indigenous residents, which made it more challenging for Kanaks to influence local governance.

"When you've got a country like France with an aid programme of billions of dollars to a place like New Caledonia, that is something you want to save at all costs if you possibly can," Peters says.

"Now, what we are saying in New Zealand and what we're saying to the French is that we can in any way help if we want to, but the pathway forward is being ironed out as they speak, and let's hope and pray that it works."

Despite not having yet spoken with the President of the government of New Caledonia following the agreement in Paris last weekend, Peters stressed the importance of self-determination.

"We expect to be treated with equality when we're dealing with big nations, and by comparison, these countries are as small to us as we are to China, but it doesn't mean we should be treated any differently. We say that small states matter."

"They matter big time. They've got a right to their own self-destination, determination, and our job is to help them get there and ensure that the Pacific, in the meantime, remains proud of the phrase itself, 'Pacific means peace'."

Pacific foreign ministers to meet

As Peters prepares to attend the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in Suva in August, he underscores the importance of regional dialogue at this time.

He signalled more cross-party delegations to the Pacific are planned and called for less talk and more action.

"I know Talanoa is a great way of relying and relaxing and waiting around and having conversations, but we need action right here, right now, and that's what we'll be talking about."

-This article was first published by PNM.