Barbara Dreaver

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

The relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands has worsened significantly over the past few hours. A statement from Foreign Minister Winston Peters' office said the Cook Islands had failed to share, which it is required to do as a realm country, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership "and other agreements" which Prime Minister Mark Brown is about to sign with China.

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

A public protest march is planned in Rarotonga as the Cook Islands makes further moves that locals fear is fracturing their country's relationship with New Zealand. Cook Islands United political party leader Teariki Heather told 1News the march will be held on parliament's first sitting of the year in Rarotonga on February 17. "We want to show our face — how much we love our relationship and stop the nonsense the Government is doing," he said.

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

The Cook Islands is set to strike a major partnership deal with China — causing deep concern in the New Zealand Government, 1News can reveal. The move would be a big win for Beijing, which is trying to exert its influence and power across the Pacific. But it has taken the Beehive by surprise — as it is a potential breach of constitutional arrangements between the Cooks and Aotearoa. This year, the Cook Islands celebrates 60 years of self-governance in free association with New Zealand.

2 months ago | asiapacificreport.nz | Barbara Dreaver

COMMENTARY: By Barbara Dreaver, 1News Pacific correspondentThere has rightly been much debate and analysis over New Zealand’s decision to review the aid it gives to Kiribati. It’s a big deal. So much is at stake, especially for the I-Kiribati people who live with many challenges and depend on the $100 million aid projects New Zealand delivers.

2 months ago | 1news.co.nz | Barbara Dreaver

Analysis: There has rightly been much debate and analysis over New Zealand’s decision to review the aid it gives to Kiribati. It’s a big deal. So much is at stake, especially for the I-Kiribati people who live with many challenges and depend on the $100 million aid projects New Zealand delivers. It would be clearly unwise for New Zealand to threaten or cut aid to Kiribati — but it has every right to expect better engagement than it has been getting over the past year.