Kia orana e te iti tangata o te Kuki Airani, tēnā koutou katoa,
Greetings to you all.
As we gather to commemorate Waitangi Day, we reflect on the profound connections between our nation and Aotearoa New Zealand. This year holds special significance as we celebrate 185 years of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, alongside 60 years of Cook Islands self-governance—a journey marked by shared history, cultural ties, and mutual respect.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, stands as a pillar of Aotearoa’s identity. It symbolises partnership, protection, and participation between Māori and the Crown. While the Cook Islands was not a signatory, the principles embodied in Te Tiriti resonate with our own values of unity and self-determination. As people of Te Moana Nui o Kiva, we recognise the importance of honouring our past, but also of looking forward with a collective vision.
In 1965, the Cook Islands embarked on a path of self-governance, embracing the responsibility to chart our own destiny. Over these six decades, we’ve achieved milestones that affirm our identity and sovereignty. From establishing our Exclusive Economic Zone of more than 2 million square kilometers, to maximising our return on one of the best managed fisheries in the region, to the development of our economy to the extent that we graduated to high-income status, through to our increasing profile and engagement on the international stage, our journey reflects our agency, resilience, and vision. We acknowledge the pioneers who laid the foundations and the collective efforts that have brought us to where we are today.
As a proud and self-governing nation, the Cook Islands has always embraced its responsibility to shape its own destiny. Recently, there has been discussion about the idea of a Cook Islands passport. And this is no longer on the table. Our government has listened to the concerns of our people and our partners, and we will not be pursuing this further. Our status remains unchanged, and our deep and enduring connection with New Zealand continues as it always has. We cherish the rights, privileges, and history we share, and we remain committed to strengthening this special relationship.
Our bond with New Zealand is unique, rooted in shared ancestry and mutual respect. The free association between our nations has allowed us to pursue our own policies while benefiting from close cooperation. Initiatives like the ‘Waka Hourua/Vaka Purua’ partnership exemplify our commitment to mutual prosperity, well-being, security, and environmental stewardship.
Aotearoa New Zealand has long been enriched by the cultural, economic, and social contributions of the Cook Islands. From the early years of migration to the present day, the people of the Cook Islands have played an integral role in shaping New Zealand’s identity, its workforce, and its cultural landscape.
Today, the Cook Islands diaspora is a vital part of Aotearoa’s diverse society, with over 80,000 Cook Islanders calling Aotearoa home. This community has made significant contributions to key sectors including healthcare, education, business, sports, and the arts, driving positive change and growth in the country.
Cook Islanders have shown resilience and hard work, often at the forefront of New Zealand’s economic development. Many have also excelled in leadership roles, becoming trailblazers in both the public and private sectors acknowledging Hon. Munokoa Poto Williams, Hon. Alfred Ngaro, Adrian Orr, Dr Kiki Maoate, Caren Rangi, Dr Jean Mitaera, Dr George Ngaei and more!
In today’s world, every nation must seek opportunities to grow and strengthen its economy, and the Cook Islands is no exception. Some have speculated that my upcoming visit to China is linked to the passport discussion, but let me be clear—these are entirely separate matters. The purpose of this visit is to explore economic opportunities, just as we do with New Zealand, Australia, and our Pacific partners. Our relationships across the world are built on trust, transparency, and mutual benefit—values that remain at the core of our approach to international partnerships.
But let me also reaffirm: our relationship with New Zealand is, and will always be, unique. The ties between our people are unbreakable, rooted in shared ancestry, history, and a deep commitment to each other’s success. We do not take this for granted, and we will continue working alongside New Zealand to ensure that our partnership remains as strong as ever.
As we commemorate Waitangi Day, we acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi not just as a historic agreement, but as a document that continues to shape the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and by extension, the wider Pacific, including the Cook Islands.
The articles of Te Tiriti laid the foundation for governance, authority, and mutual respect—Article One established kawanatanga (governance), Article Two affirmed tino rangatiratanga (chieftainship and protection of lands, resources, and taonga), and Article Three promised equal rights and protection for Māori as British subjects.
Our journey of self-governance has paralleled these principles. We, too, have navigated the path of determining our own political status while maintaining a strong and evolving relationship with New Zealand. Our own constitutional arrangements have been shaped by the same fundamental considerations—governance, sovereignty over our land and resources, and the protection of our people’s rights and well-being.
I understand that people want to be fully informed about the direction of our country, and I acknowledge those concerns. Our government is committed to open and honest dialogue, because transparency is not just an expectation; it is a fundamental principle of good governance. Any agreements we enter, whether with New Zealand, China, or any other partner, will always be made with the best interests of the Cook Islands at heart. And we will ensure that our people remain informed every step of the way.
Just as Te Tiriti o Waitangi continues to evolve and shape relationships in Aotearoa, so too must we continue to strengthen and reaffirm our relationships as a sovereign Pacific nation. The past is always present, and history shapes the future. Our journey as a self-governing nation is one of growth, but it is also one of unity, with Aotearoa New Zealand, with our Pacific whānau, and with the wider world.
As the Cook Islands celebrate 60 years of self-governance, we reflect on what Te Tiriti means today—not just for New Zealand, but for our enduring partnership as nations of the Pacific. Just as the Treaty remains a living document in Aotearoa, our relationship with New Zealand continues to evolve, grounded in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a recognition of our unique identities.
On this Waitangi Day and in the spirit of Te Tiriti, let us reaffirm our commitment to this relationship—not as something fixed in time, but as an ongoing journey.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi reminds us that the past is always present, that history shapes the future, and that our partnership with New Zealand, like Te Tiriti itself, must continue to grow, strengthen, and adapt to the generations ahead.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou,
Kia Orana e kia manuia tatou katoatoa.
