The Cook Islands, particularly on Penrhyn Island, require funding to reseal a WWII airstrip to accommodate larger tourist jets. Despite requests for help to New Zealand, Australia, and the US, support has not materialized. Consequently, the Cook Islands government, led by Puna John Vano, considers seeking assistance from China. Relations with New Zealand have soured following new economic deals with China, leading to financial aid cuts. Many citizens on Rarotonga express anger over the deterioration of their relationship with New Zealand, with some supporting increased Chinese investment while others remain skeptical about its implications.
On the Cook Islands' main island of Rarotonga, many people are angry over the damage caused to relations with New Zealand. Some welcome more Chinese investment but others raise questions over what it will bring.
Penrhyn island's executive director, Puna John Vano, says we're going to get assistance from elsewhere if it doesn't come from customary partners.
Collection
[
|
...
]