This is edition 2025/23 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome back. It's 2025 and 20 years since I started writing about politics and anything else that took my fancy. Thank to my VIP members for making this site what it is today. In July we will be having a 20th birthday celebration. Stay tuned for more announcements.
This is the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
Enjoy!
1. The Realm of New Zealand is not an open relationship
Liam Hehir
- 🇨🇰 The Cook Islands government seeks closer ties with China through a new partnership agreement, causing tensions with New Zealand.
- 🤝 New Zealand, historically responsible for Cook Islands' governance, criticizes lack of consultation on the China deal.
- 🏝️ Cook Islands' association with New Zealand began voluntarily under British protection in the 19th century, leading to self-government in 1965.
- 💼 Free association grants Cook Islanders New Zealand citizenship and economic advantages without maintaining a military.
- 🌏 New Zealand views the relationship as one-sided, offering goodwill without substantial economic benefits.
- 🤔 New Zealand expects consultation on major Cook Islands' foreign policy decisions, despite asymmetrical impacts.
- ⚖️ Cook Islands faces a choice between full independence or meeting New Zealand's expectations under the current arrangement.
