'Breach of trust': NZ extends pause on Cook Islands payments

New Zealand Extends Pause on Cook Islands Payments

New Zealand has continued its suspension of direct funding to the Cook Islands Government after the latter signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year.

Funding on Hold

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that NZ$29.8 million in funding remains paused, covering two financial years.

“We took this step reluctantly and after careful consideration. Direct funding to another government relies on a high degree of trust. The Cook Islands Government breached New Zealand’s trust through a series of actions that are well known.”

The spokesperson added that New Zealand’s concerns must be resolved and trust restored before the funding can be released.

Ongoing Support

Despite the pause in direct payments, New Zealand continues to provide significant development assistance through its agencies and regional programs in sectors such as:

New Zealand remains deeply committed to the Cook Islands and its people, sharing a unique constitutional relationship as the Cook Islanders are New Zealand citizens.

Official Notification

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters informed the Cook Islands Government of the initial decision to pause funding in early June.

“Significant development assistance to the Cook Islands continues, including in areas such as health, education, governance, security and humanitarian support. This is being delivered through New Zealand agencies and regional programmes.”

Author’s summary: New Zealand has indefinitely suspended NZ$29.8 million in direct funding to the Cook Islands after a trust breach linked to China partnerships, while continuing other forms of development aid.

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NZ Herald NZ Herald — 2025-11-09

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