Cook Islands passport would require giving up NZ citizenship, says Winston Peters

By Caleb Fotheringham of RNZ The Cook Islands can only have its own passport if it gives up New Zealand citizenship, the office of New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters says. The Cook Islands operates in free association with New Zealand. It means the island nation conducts its own affairs, but Aotearoa needs to assist when it comes to foreign affairs, disasters and defence.

Cook Islanders also hold New Zealand passports , entitling them to live and work in the country..