Cook Islands Seeks Separate Citizenship from New Zealand

The Cook Islands' Prime Minister Mark Brown has been advocating for a separate passport and citizenship for Cook Islanders, while still wishing to maintain ties with New Zealand. However, New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters has firmly rejected this proposal, stating that only fully independent nations can issue their own passports and that any such change would require a referendum among Cook Islanders. The Cook Islands has been in free association with New Zealand since 1965, allowing its citizens to hold New Zealand passports and access services like healthcare. Many Cook Islanders have expressed concerns over the lack of consultation regarding this significant issue, emphasizing the need for public discussion before any decisions are made. If Brown pursues the separate citizenship route, it could lead to a loss of New Zealand citizenship for the people of the Cook Islands. New Zealand has indicated its readiness to discuss independence if the Cook Islands decides to pursue that path.