It is deep in Pacific culture. In the village, everyone knows everything. Our High Commissioner, Catherine Graham, holds degrees in International Relations & Politics and Commerce, Economics & Public Policy.

The public quarrel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands — which share a passport, a military and constitutional ties — is a victory for Beijing.

A prominent Cook Islands broadcaster says the recently signed comprehensive strategic partnership with China has divided communities back home. Today, over 400 people gathered in the streets of Avarua, Rarotonga, to protest the agreement that the Cook Islands and China formalized over the weekend.

Official ratification of a "comprehensive strategic partnership" agreement is likely to cause consternation in Wellington.

Not concerned over consequences Brown said he was not concerned by any consequences the New Zealand government may impose. The Cook Islands leader is returning to a motion of no confidence filed against his government and protests against his leadership.

Heather is responsible for filing the motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister and his cabinet. The opposition only makes up eight seats of the 24 in Cook Islands parliament is about showing support to New Zealand, not about toppling the Government.

Since 1965, the Cook Islands has been a country in free association with New Zealand. Its citizens have New Zealand passports and all the perks of that – access to New Zealand's

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for a reset in government-to-government relations with the Cook Islands after its Pacific neighbor signed agreements with China without consultation.

China has signed a wide-ranging deal with the Cook Islands, sparking concerns over Beijing’s growing influence in the Pacific. The Cook Islands Prime Minister defended the agreement amid global scrutiny.