Leaders of the four countries of the Realm of New Zealand have held their inaugural meeting in Auckland, strengthening cooperation on shared economic, security and regional priorities while reaffirming each partner’s distinct constitutional arrangements.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown joined New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi and Ulu-o-Tokelau Alapati Tavite for the meeting at Government House in Auckland on August 28, 2026, ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau.
Co-chaired by Luxon and Tagelagi, the meeting was the first time the leaders of all four countries of the Realm of New Zealand had met together in this format.
“This is a rare and valuable gathering,” Brown said. “The Cook Islands, New Zealand, Niue and Tokelau each carry a distinct constitutional history, and each of our relationships with New Zealand has followed its own path.”
“What we share is a partnership freely entered into and freely maintained, built on decades of trust, of family, and of respect for one another’s right to determine our own course.”
Shared priorities across the Realm
In a joint statement following the meeting, the leaders said the enduring constitutional relationships between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau are supported by close connections among their peoples, societies and economies, including their respective diaspora communities.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared history, constitutional links and common values, while recognising the distinct identities and aspirations of each Realm partner.
Discussions covered priorities for the Realm and the wider Pacific, including education, security and defence, and fuel security and preparedness.
Brown said the meeting came as the four countries face many of the same economic pressures.
“Our people are feeling the cost of living, the cost of fuel and the cost of freight,” he said.
“The value of a meeting like this is that it allows us to discuss the different approaches we’re taking to these challenges, and to identify where our common interests align and where we can be mutually supportive of our respective priorities.”
Security cooperation
Security was a key focus of the meeting, with leaders recognising the interconnected security interests of the Realm partners and their respective responsibilities in an increasingly contested strategic environment.
They referred to the Political Declaration between Niue and New Zealand signed in November 2025 and the Cook Islands-New Zealand Declaration on Defence and Security signed in Rarotonga in April 2026.
Brown reaffirmed the Cook Islands' security arrangements with New Zealand.
“New Zealand is, and remains, the Cook Islands’ primary partner in defence and security,” he said.
“The Declaration on Defence and Security we signed in Rarotonga in April gives that partnership practical shape through early and open consultation, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities each of us carries.”
He said the agreement was reached through dialogue and that the Cook Islands intended to maintain that approach.
Cook Islands-New Zealand relationship
The Cook Islands has been self-governing in free association with New Zealand since August 4, 1965. It has its own Constitution, Parliament, Cabinet, courts and King's Representative.
The relationship is based on the Cook Islands Constitution Act 1964 and further articulated in the 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration, which describes the two countries as equal states, independent in the conduct of their own affairs and committed to close consultation as partners.
The leaders also welcomed New Zealand's hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in 2027 and committed to strengthening Realm cooperation in areas including economic opportunity, cultural connections, resilience, security and the wellbeing of future generations.
They also acknowledged the centenary of the relationship between New Zealand and Tokelau.
Brown said he hoped the inaugural gathering would establish a continuing mechanism for cooperation.
“A standing conversation among Realm leaders would allow us to take up shared interests as they arise, rather than only when difficulties require it,” he said. “That is the mark of a mature partnership.”
Brown was accompanied at the meeting by Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Elizabeth Wright-Koteka and Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand Kairangi Samuela.
Following the Auckland meeting, the Prime Minister travelled to Koror, Palau, for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
