Cook Islands PM says economy remains strong despite NZ funding pause

Cook Islands PM insists request for meeting with Luxon and Peters was declined

It comes as a second round of funding to the realm nation has been paused by Aotearoa, bringing the total funds held to nearly $30 million over two years.

Cook Islands PM says economy remains strong despite NZ funding pause

However, Mark Brown says New Zealand is "having issues" with the state of its own economy as Kiwis "are running away" to Australia.

New Zealand blocks $30 million in aid to Cook Islands

Millions in vital aid funding remains suspended in an escalating  diplomatic row over the Cook Islands’ recent agreement with China.