Prime Minister Mark Brown in Parliament on February 24, 2025. Photo: Cook Islands News / Talaia Mika
Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem. Photo: Supplied / University of Auckland
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has slammed New Zealand for what he calls a "patronising" approach over its China deal.
This week it was revealed that nearly $20m of New Zealand funding to the Cook Islands is on ice.
It's the latest update to a stoush started in February when Mr Brown signed partnership agreements with China, without consulting New Zealand.
Christopher Luxon said the government was unhappy and dissatisfied with the lack of transparency from the Cook Islands, but that it was a matter that didn't involve China on Thursday.
Late last night after high level bilateral talks with China Luxon refused to add anything further.
Yvonne Underhill-Sem is a Professor of Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland and hails from the Cook Islands, she talks to Susie.
