New Zealand Suspends Nearly $30 Million in Aid to Cook Islands
Months of discussions aimed at mending New Zealand’s relationship with its Pacific neighbour have failed. New Zealand has halted two years' worth of aid payments, totaling around $30 million, indicating a sharp decline in political ties between the countries.
In June, Foreign Minister Winston Peters stopped $18.2 million in funding after the Cook Islands signed several contentious deals with China without consulting New Zealand, a requirement under their realm country status. A letter obtained through the Official Information Act, dated October 13, from Peters to Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, confirmed the $18.2 million funding freeze would remain in place.
Alongside this, a further payment scheduled for this time of year has also been paused, bringing the total suspended aid to approximately $29.8 million.
Communication Breakdown and Breach of Trust
The letter highlights a significant communication breakdown between the two governments. Peters described "the gravity of the Cook Islands' breach of trust" and addressed what seems to be a continuing disagreement over the interpretation of "free association with New Zealand."
"The gravity of the Cook Islands' breach of trust"
(Source: 1News)
Summary
The suspension of nearly $30 million in aid reveals a rapid deterioration in New Zealand-Cook Islands relations, mainly due to disputes over deals with China and the meaning of their political ties.
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