PoliticsCook Islands election: PM Mark Brown speaks on the diplomatic crises that defined his year

Cook Islands voters are preparing to cast ballots in a high-stakes general election. Prime Minister Mark Brown told the Guardian that last year’s diplomatic rift with ally New Zealand could influence voters. He defended his four-year term and the decisions that brought the South Pacific nation greater international attention. Debates over deep-sea mining and a reshaping of foreign partnerships have helped turn the islands into a contest for influence between Beijing and western powers.

Cook Islandselectiondiplomatic crisisNew Zealand

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