New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a defense and security declaration, reaffirming New Zealand as the Cook Islands' primary security partner, Bloomberg reported April 2. Wellington also agreed to resume development funding that had been paused in June 2025 following a strategic agreement the Cook Islands signed with China.

New Zealand and the Cook Islands have longstanding constitutional ties under a 1965 free association framework. In February 2025, the Cook Islands and China signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, which included initiatives on seabed mineral extraction, infrastructure, maritime development and economic integration. The Cook Islands did not consult New Zealand on this agreement, which Wellington views as a violation of the free association framework.