PoliticsCook Islands election: Mark Brown discusses the diplomatic crises that shaped his year

Cook Islands voters are preparing for a close general election in which Prime Minister Mark Brown’s foreign-policy choices are under scrutiny. Brown says the 2025 rift with New Zealand, triggered by strategic partnership agreements with China, may influence voters, while he defends his government’s economic record and diplomatic approach.

Cook Islands electionMark BrownNew ZealandChina

TThe Guardian★★★☆☆2026-08-12 00:24Original