The Cook Islands is contemplating joining the United Nations (UN) and potentially separating from New Zealand, with Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana advocating for a referendum to decide on the matter.

Currently, the Cook Islands maintains diplomatic ties with the UN but is not a member of the organization. Elikana emphasized the need for the general population to determine the country’s UN membership status through a referendum, rather than leaving it to elected officials.

Although New Zealand has shown support for the Cook Islands’ application for International Monetary Fund (IMF) membership, joining the UN could have significant implications.

As part of the realm of New Zealand, Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship. However, if the Cook Islands becomes a separate UN member, it could potentially forfeit its citizenship rights under the existing treaty between the nations.

Opposition leader Tina Browne has voiced skepticism about prioritizing UN membership, questioning the necessity of having a seat at the UN.

Browne criticized the government’s focus on UN membership, suggesting that other priorities should take precedence.

RNZ Pacific sought comments from New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, but his office highlighted that the decision regarding UN membership rests with the Cook Islands government and its people.

The spokesperson emphasized the complexity of UN membership, particularly regarding its implications for the constitutional relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, including citizenship considerations.

(Information sourced by RNZ)