The Cook Islands has a unique relationship with New Zealand known as a "free association". This means that the Cook Islands is self-governing and has its own government, but New Zealand is responsible for its defence and foreign affairs. This relationship has been in place since 1965 when the Cook Islands gained self-government.
The relationship with New Zealand provides the Cook Islands with several benefits, including access to New Zealand's education and welfare systems. Cook Islanders are also New Zealand citizens, which gives them the right to live and work in New Zealand without the need for a visa.
New Zealand provides economic support to the Cook Islands through aid and investment, and there are also cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries. The Cook Islands is able to benefit from New Zealand's expertise in areas such as healthcare and infrastructure development.
Overall, the relationship with New Zealand provides the Cook Islands with stability and support, while allowing for its people to maintain their unique cultural identity and independence.
What type of relationship does the Cook Islands have with New Zealand, and how does it benefit from this relationship?
3 answers
shorten it
The Cook Islands has a "free association" relationship with New Zealand, benefiting from access to New Zealand's education and welfare systems, economic support, expertise in areas such as healthcare and infrastructure development, and cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries.
1 answer